Fede Valverde to stay at Real

According to Marca, Federico “Fede” Valverde is expected to play a part in Real Madrid first team in 2018/19.

Coach Julen Lopetegui enjoys a high reputation when it comes to working with young players, having proven himself by running Spain’s youth categories. Despite having a world-class  midfield containing the likes of Casemiro, Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, the manager is set to feel the absence of Mateo Kovačić who has left for a season-long loan to Chelsea. With the transfer window approaching its closure, the club are hard pressed for time to secure a proper replacement for the 24-year-old Croat.

And in such circumstances, an expert of Lopetegui’s repute is bound to look inwards, at the club’s youth prospects.

After a year with Real Madrid Castilla, Valverde spent last season on loan at Deportivo La Coruna and made 25 appearances in all competition for them. Now, despite interest from a number of clubs, the 20-year-old midfielder seems set to be given a role with the Champions League winners’ first team as they look to displace Barcelona from the Spanish throne.