Manchester City are reportedly setting their sights on Valencia’s midfield maestro Pepelu as they look to bolster their ranks following a serious injury to Rodri Hernandez.
Manchester City Eye La Liga Star Pepelu in €25m Move
The reigning Premier League champions are confident they can secure the Spanish star for €25 million, despite his hefty €100 million release clause.
Pepelu, who joined Valencia from Levante in the summer of 2023, has been a revelation at the Mestalla.
His commanding performances in the heart of midfield have made him indispensable to Valencia, but the club’s well-known financial troubles could force their hand in the face of Manchester City’s interest.
For Pep Guardiola, replacing Rodri has become a pressing priority. The City boss relies heavily on a strong anchor in midfield, and Pepelu’s composure on the ball and defensive acumen make him an attractive option.
According to reports from Spanish outlet ED, Pepelu is high on City’s list of potential signings, with negotiations possibly accelerating in the January transfer window.
While Valencia would be reluctant to part ways with one of their standout players, their precarious financial position could make an offer from Manchester City difficult to resist.
Selling Pepelu for €25 million might seem like a steal for City, especially given his €100 million release clause, but it could be a lifeline for the cash-strapped Spanish side.
For Pepelu, the prospect of joining a club of Manchester City’s stature must be enticing. It’s a chance to compete on the biggest stages in European football under one of the world’s most esteemed managers.
However, leaving Valencia, where he has quickly become a fan favorite, wouldn’t be an easy decision.
If the move goes through, it would be another reminder of the financial disparities in modern football, where even established La Liga clubs struggle to hold onto their prized assets.
For now, Valencia fans can only hope their club finds a way to hold firm against City’s interest.
But as January looms, the pull of the Premier League and Pep Guardiola might prove irresistible.
