Manchester United’s search for midfield energy has led them to Javi Guerra.
The Valencia talent is now firmly on Ruben Amorim’s shortlist.
Casemiro, nearing his 34th birthday, is no longer the unstoppable presence he once was. Manuel Ugarte’s first year in England failed to convince, while Kobbie Mainoo’s development was stalled by a lack of consistent minutes.
Bruno Fernandes remains better suited to a more advanced role, and Toby Collyer has yet to prove himself at this level.
A goalless pre-season opener against Leeds only sharpened Amorim’s focus. The Portuguese coach openly admitted his midfield lacked spark, and reports from Fichajes suggest United have identified Guerra as the man to change that.
The club are said to be moving quickly, ready to invest £22 million to secure the 22-year-old, who has two years left on his Valencia deal.
Standing 6ft 2in, Guerra brings athleticism and tactical flexibility, able to operate in a double pivot, as a box-to-box presence, or even in an advanced midfield role.
His journey began at Villarreal’s academy before moving to Valencia in 2019. By 2022, he was in the first team, steadily establishing himself as a regular for Los Ches.
United’s plans this summer extend beyond midfield. Amorim’s side also want RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, valued at £69 million, meaning a combined £91 million outlay could be on the cards.
Guerra remains a developing player with room to grow.
Whether he represents an immediate upgrade is debatable, but Amorim sees in him the raw tools to help push United’s midfield into a new era.