The managerial carousel in football often leads to endless speculations and rumors, and Mauricio Pochettino has frequently been linked with the prestigious job at Real Madrid throughout the years. However, fate never aligned to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu. After his departure from Tottenham Hotspur, the Argentine tactician found himself at Paris Saint-Germain, but now he faces a new challenge as he takes the reins at Chelsea.
Pochettino undoubtedly faces an arduous task at Stamford Bridge, considering Chelsea’s lackluster performance last season, which was arguably their worst in this century. Additionally, the club has witnessed the departure of several seasoned players this summer, leaving a void that necessitates a rebuilding phase, particularly in the midfield department. It appears that Pochettino has set his sights on a talented individual from Real Madrid’s squad.
According to a report from Defensa Central (via The Hard Tackle), Pochettino holds a deep admiration for Federico Valverde, the dynamic midfielder from Real Madrid. The Argentine manager is keen on securing Valverde’s services for Chelsea, believing he would greatly enhance the team’s midfield capabilities.
Valverde had a fascinating 2022/23 season, to say the least. He showcased his versatility by adding goals to his game and exhibited performances that positioned him among the finest midfielders in the world during the initial months of the campaign. However, his form gradually waned as the season progressed, especially in the latter half, revealing the need for greater consistency from the Uruguayan international.
Notably, Valverde has garnered significant interest from various clubs this summer, leading to suggestions that his transfer value exceeds €100 million. Real Madrid has previously rejected substantial offers for the talented midfielder, but with the recent signing of Jude Bellingham, there might be a shift in their stance regarding Valverde’s potential departure.
The dynamic of the situation has changed, prompting intrigue as to whether Los Blancos are now more inclined to entertain the idea of parting ways with their Uruguayan gem. It remains to be seen if Pochettino’s admiration for Valverde will materialize into a concrete offer from Chelsea, and if Real Madrid will be willing to negotiate a transfer for the talented midfielder. Football fans eagerly await the unfolding of this potential transfer saga, which could shape the landscape of both Chelsea and Real Madrid.
