Who Is Javi Guerra? The Valencia Star On Manchester United’s Radar

There seems to be a lot of speculation yet not much action coming from the Manchester United camp.

Of course, the Red Devils have already secured Wolves’ Matheus Cunha on a pricy deal, and there is still near enough two months left of the transfer window. However, with constant echoing of Gyokeres, Mbeumo and now Dominic Calvert-Lewin, it seems as if Amorim’s men are struggling to get men over the line.

Here is a new one for you – Javi Guerra. The latest descendant of Manchester United’s long list of interests.

Whilst the Spaniard is not a player who would fix the club’s ever lasting striker search, the youngster could offer them barrels of talent for years to come, after already displaying his developing excellence in La Liga last season.

Javi Guerra is one of just six U23 central midfielders who had 50+ tackles and 50+ take-ons across Europe’s top five leagues last season. The others are…

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Jude Bellingham
🇪🇸 Pedri
🇨🇲 Carlos Baleba
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Elliot Anderson
🇫🇷 Rabby Nzingoula

Some serious talent in that list. 🔝 pic.twitter.com/NwrynSIMW5

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 7, 2025

Who Is He?

Javi Guerra has been one to watch in La Liga over the last couple of seasons, playing with Spanish giants Valencia. The 22-year-old essentially birthed his career with the Bats, after signing for their youth team back in 2019, at the age of 16.

Guerra has since progressed from the academy, through the B team and now into the Spanish side’s first team, becoming one of their star players. This led to him achieving quite the season last term, picking up three goals and three assists in 36 La Liga matches from his favoured central midfield position.

(Javi Guerra La Liga Stats 2024/25: Opta)

The starlet also competed in Spain’s Under-21 side throughout the Euros U21 this summer, which included being part of the team that was knocked out by England in the quarterfinals.

Despite losing this tie, Guerra was the only one the score past Lee Carsley’s men, attracting the limelight through his first half penalty.

His cushioned spot kick has certainly bolstered his chances of a move as well, as a handful of clubs – including Manchester United – have continued to keep an eye on the young midfielder.

How Does The Spaniard Play?

With just 89 appearances in senior football, Javi Guerra is already presenting traits of an accomplished player in the sport through his versatility and decision-making.

Our in-house Football League scout has described the 22-year-old as a natural ‘number 8’ on the pitch, as he acts as a traditional central midfielder. However, he often drops deep to retrieve the ball and aid the back line whilst defending, as well as pushing up the pitch when attacking to help create chances – like he did 36 times last term.

Our in-house scout also commented that Guerra’s 6’2 stature makes him a superb presence out of possession and hard to beat. However, this does not defer the Spaniard’s mobility as he thrives on high energy pressing and aggressiveness, which helped him to win possession back a whopping 168 times last season.

(La Liga's Top Defensive Players By Stats 2024/25: Opta)

Being a stereotypical midfielder, Guerra’s technique is extremely promising - his ability to drive the ball forward through delicate dribbling, to then pick out the right pass or decision afterwards really makes him stand out.

Former West Bromwich Albion and Huddersfield Town boss Carlos Corberan has been the man in charge of Valencia this season, as has recently praised Javi Guerra of being a player ‘who can make a difference.’

Corberan has also previously credited the youngster’s progressive runs forward, which adds huge kudos to the versatility he possesses in the middle of the park.

Interest From Manchester United And Other Clubs

Now, down to the nitty-gritty - where will the young star end up by the time the new season begins?

As reported, Manchester United have expressed serious interest in Javi Guerra, alongside their many other transfer rumours. However, the 22-year-old may not come cheap, with Valencia already holding a hefty term in his contract.

Official. Spanish talented midfielder Javi Guerra signs new deal with Valencia, it’s done and valid until June 2027. ⚪️🦇 #transfers

Release clause: €100m. pic.twitter.com/93FChhz5xX

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 16, 2023

Guerra’s deal with the Bats ends in June 2027 and right now, the club have an £87 million release clause. If Manchester United were to pay this strenuous fee, it may hinder the opportunity for other acquisitions such as Bryan Mbeumo, considering the Red Devils have already spent over £60 million for Cunha.

However, there is certainly potential for Jim Ratcliffe to negotiate a fee with Valencia, as the Spanish side may look to build back some of the £300 million spent on their brand-new stadium – Nou Mestalla.

Although it is not as simple as that; there are plenty of other clubs in the mix, who may be willing to splash out on Guerra’s release clause. Both AC Milan and Atlético Madrid are fans of the midfielder, with the latter almost securing his signature last summer. Should Atleti reignite their interest, they may be able to persuade him once more.

🚨🔴⚪️ Atlético Madrid have reached verbal agreement to sign Javi Guerra, all agreed with Valencia and player’s camp.

Atléti to proceed with Javi Guerra deal early next week if Conor Gallagher will not accept their proposal.

⏳ Chelsea & Atléti, still waiting for final answer. pic.twitter.com/FXy66J37sW

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 4, 2024

Despite all speculation, there are further rumours circulating that Valencia have also offered Javi Guerra a new contract and the Spaniard is fond of the idea of staying at Valencia. However, he wishes to see the fine details of the new contract before making any decisions.

Where Would He Fit In?

Staying with Valencia would be a safe bet for Javi Guerra. His development has come leaps and bounds in recent years and at just 22, he still has plenty of time to progress further.

However, for many players at a young age, transfer offers from some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs are far too good to turn down.

Atlético Madrid could be a perfect move for the midfield powerhouse. Guerra would still be able to develop his football in the Spanish top flight, all whilst playing Champions League football in the meantime – something Manchester United cannot offer.

Atleti qualify for the Champions League for the 12th straight year.

They've done so every full season since Diego Simeone joined the club 😤 pic.twitter.com/PgJktr3094

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 15, 2024

Guerra had already reached an agreement on personal terms with Los Rojiblancos this time last year, leaving unfinished business between the two. Furthermore, with Atleti midfield duo Rodrigo De Paul and Conor Gallagher supposedly on their way out, there could be a void for Javi Guerra to fill at the club.

As for Manchester United, they are the club that could likely offer the 22-year-old the most financially. Moreover, they are evidently trying to build a new project following their disastrous season last year – as they finished 15th in the Premier League.

However, signing for the Red Devils would be a huge risk for the Spaniard, as many young, headline transfers have not exactly succeeded in recent years – Højlund, Antony and Sancho to name a few.

Though saying that, with Casemiro’s aging and Kobbie Mainoo’s injury problems, there is certainly a place at the heart of Manchester United’s midfield that would suit Guerra down to the ground.