Transfer Centre

Federico Valverde rules out Real Madrid exit amid Chelsea, Liverpool links

By Ben Sully | 17 June 2023

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde rules out the prospect of leaving the Spanish club this summer amid links with Chelsea and Manchester United.

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has ruled out leaving the club this summer, amid links with Chelsea and Liverpool.

Valverde's future with the Spanish giants has been called into question, with Real Madrid well-stocked in midfield.

Jude Bellingham recently completed his highly-anticipated move from Borussia Dortmund in a deal that could rise to £115m.

Veteran midfielders Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are widely expected to sign one-year extensions until the summer of 2024.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti can also call upon the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, highlighting the wealth of options at the Italian's disposal.

Federico Valverde for Uruguay in September 2022 © Reuters

There has been a suggestion that Valverde could be on the move this summer, with Chelsea and Liverpool linked with his signature.

The West London club are looking to strengthen their midfield ahead of the 2023-24 season, with the likes of N'Golo Kante, Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher heading towards the exit door.

The Reds, meanwhile, have already recruited Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, and they stepped up their pursuit of Valverde by submitting a £51m bid.

Real Madrid swiftly rejected Liverpool's offers, with Los Blancos viewing the Uruguay international as 'non-transferrable'.

Real Madrid's Federico Valverde in action with Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold on March 15, 2023 © Reuters

Valverde has now moved to rule out the prospect of leaving the club he joined in 2016 from Uruguayan side Penarol.

The 24-year-old told ESPN Argentina: "No, no - I'm at Madrid, trying to enjoy every moment and leave my mark on the best club in the world. I want to keep winning titles for Real Madrid fans."

Valverde made 56 competitive appearances during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists.

Since joining the club in 2016, the midfielder has won nine major honours, including two La Liga titles and one Champions League trophy.