Federico Valverde: A Key Player for Real Madrid
Federico Valverde is set to take the field for Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal on Tuesday, and he has become one of the team’s most crucial players. Interestingly, he could have been representing Arsenal instead, as they were interested in signing him during his early career.
The Uruguayan midfielder has developed into an exceptional talent, having made 306 appearances for Madrid since joining at the age of 18 from Penarol in 2016 for an initial fee of €5 million (£4.3 million/$5.5 million at today’s rates), which later rose by an additional €4 million through performance-related bonuses. After debuting in 2018, Valverde has not looked back, contributing to the club’s impressive collection of 14 trophies, including two Champions League titles.
Prior to his transfer to Madrid, Valverde had a trial with Arsenal after they expressed strong interest in acquiring him. They even sent a representative to Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, to secure a deal. However, Real Madrid eventually made a move, and the rest is history.
The journey began in 2014, when Arsenal scouts Francis Cagigao and Jonathan Vidalle identified Valverde in an under-16s match between Uruguay and Argentina. They compared him to the renowned Steven Gerrard. Known as El Pajarito (The Birdie), Valverde showcased the traits of an elite box-to-box midfielder, earning him attention from scouts.
Invited for a trial in January 2015, Valverde, accompanied by his brother and a representative from his club, faced a dramatic change in climate when he arrived in England’s cold winter. Despite the shocking weather, he felt eager about the opportunity. “I was 16 and it was something that I said, ‘That’s it. This is my club, where I’m going to grow,’” Valverde stated in an interview, illuminating his aspirations.
During his trial, Valverde trained with various age groups, even spending time with Arsène Wenger’s first team. He impressed the coaching staff, and at the end of the week, Wenger offered him a contract. However, despite Arsenal’s interest, the complicated transfer situation regarding work permits hampered the deal. By the time the negotiations unfolded, Real Madrid had increased their interest, ultimately leading to Valverde’s signing after he performed well in the South American Under-17 Championship.
Valverde joined Real Madrid for an initial fee of €5 million, a bargain considering his remarkable performance at the club since. As he continues to excel and take on numerous roles, Valverde has become a fan favorite at the Bernabéu. His presence is set to be crucial in the upcoming Champions League clash against the club that once sought to sign him as a teenager.
