Report: United interested in €34million star from Valencia
By Alec Hughes
According to reports circulating in Spain, Manchester United could be ready to pounce for Valencia starlet Javi Guerra.
The 20-year-old has been linked with United since last season, and his performances since making a breakthrough at Mestalla have been impressive. Guerra is one of a host of academy players who helped save Los Ches from relegation last term and the club currently sit in a more comfortable 10th place in La Liga.
Most comfortable playing as an 8 but also capable of playing as a holding midfielder, Guerra offers versatility and has clearly benefited from being coached by Valencia legend and current head coach Rubén Baraja.
Valencia would be happy with €34 million for the talented youngster and while La Liga is undoubtedly played at a slower pace, Guerra should possess the attributes necessary to succeed in the Premier League.
Valencia owner Peter Lim and his footballing directors are not renowned for securing the best deals for their players. Rarely in his time as owner has Valencia sold a player for more than their market value.
In fact, in the summer of 2020 their owner saw fit to sell three of their starting midfielders, including club captain Dani Parejo, for a combined total of less than €20million. This should give Manchester United's negotiators cause to be optimistic.
Red Devil Armada’s verdict:
Manchester United could well need to reinforce the midfield in January. Donny van de Beek will leave for Frankfurt and there now seems to be a real possibility that Casemiro could leave Old Trafford in January.
Loan signing Sofyan Amrabat will also play for Morocco at the AFCON in January. If Casemiro leaves, United would be left with Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and the teenage Kobbie Mainoo as available midfielders.
Javi Guerra is without a doubt one of the finest prospects to come through the Valencia academy in recent years and has taken to first team action like a duck to water. He is a technically gifted player blessed with a great ability to read the game. Given Valencia’s financial peril, a competent football negotiator should be able to sign him for a fair price.