Real Madrid News
Federico Valverde on Madrid winning their 15th UCL: “Will match my shirt number”
Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has said that he is confident of winning the 15th Champions League title, despite drawing 1-1 with Manchester City in the first leg of the semi-final.
In a recent interview, the Uruguayan international has backed his team to secure a victory in the second leg, where Real Madrid must ensure a win in order to qualify for the final.
“A 1-1 draw in the first leg? They always taught us in Madrid that we play until the end, so we have 90 minutes left,” Valverde told Diario AS.
Real Madrid are indeed known for their pedigree in the UEFA Champions League. They have won the competition 14 times – more than any other team in Europe.
Even when the chips are down, the Spanish giants always seem to find a way and Valverde expects his team to do just that next week. The player reiterated Real Madrid’s powers in the competition while adding that winning the 15th title could be a special occasion for him.
“Playing in the Champions League is special because it’s Real Madrid’s competition,” he said. “Winning the 15th UCL for Real Madrid will be incredible as it will match with my shirt number.”
Federico Valverde had to operate as a central midfielder during Real Madrid’s first-leg match against Manchester City. But recent reports suggest Carlo Ancelotti might shift to a 4-4-2 formation in the second leg, which could see the Uruguayan operate out wide.
Having already been involved in 18 goals in all competitions this season, Valverde’s tenacity and ability to provide a scare in the final third will be of necessity as Real Madrid look to turn the tide in their favour at the Etihad next week.
Real Madrid have identified the midfield department as a key area of the squad that needs strengthening next year.
Having failed to sign Rodri this past summer, the Merengues understand that a major signing is necessary in the position.
Several names have already been linked as potential targets for the Spanish capital club, one of whom happens to be AFC Bournemouth rising star Alex Scott.
Indeed, Real Madrid have scouted the England international this season and are continuing to closely monitor his development in the Premier League.
However, competition for the 23-year-old midfielder’s services is already heating up.
AC Milan eye Alex Scott
Indeed, according to Tutto Mercato (h/t AS), Italian giants AC Milan have set their sights on Scott to replace Real Madrid legend Luka Modric next season.
Modric, at 41, is entering the final phase of his career and his contract with the Rossoneri stands to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign.
As such, the Serie A heavyweights will need to rope in a replacement and have seemingly identified Scott, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar, as an option.
Apart from AC Milan, even Chelsea and Liverpool have also shown interest in the 23-year-old England star, and might even be willing to make a move for him in January.
This complicates the situation for Real Madrid, who would ideally wait until the summer of 2027 to reinforce their midfield unit.
€50 million for Scott?
Furthermore, the report states that Scott is valued by Bournemouth at around €50 million, a fee that could be an issue for AC Milan.
That figure, however, should not pose a challenge for Real Madrid. Nonetheless, the increasing competition for the 23-year-old’s services could drive up the price further, making things complicated.
For now, though, Real Madrid’s interest in Scott has been limited to scouting and monitoring his progress and compiling reports on him.
Whether it translates into a formal approach and offer in the summer or in January itself remains to be seen.
