Real Madrid were heavily active in the recently concluded summer transfer window, with the club not only acquiring a host of players; but also carrying out several exit operations.
It appears that last summer there was the possibility of another high-profile departure from the club amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
Indeed, as per Uruguayan goalkeeper Martin Campana, who plays for Al Riyadh in Saudi, Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde was the player with the opportunity to leave for the Middle East.
Teams from the Saudi Pro League took the summer transfer window by storm, and Real Madrid were forced to bid Karim Benzema farewell after Al-Ittihad acquired his services early in the window.
The Saudis were not willing to stop just there, though, with Campana revealing that Valverde was among the players to receive an enticing offer.
However, the Uruguayan promptly rejected the proposal, as he was determined to continue playing for Real Madrid.
"Fede Valverde had a very important proposal this year and he rejected it because he only thinks about playing for Real Madrid," revealed Campana in an interview, as quoted by AS.
The Merengues shared the same sentiment, believing him to be a crucial cog in the machine who particularly earned the trust of coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Valverde’s importance to the team is testified by the fact that he has started 15 out of 17 games this season, with participation off the bench in the other two.
In light of interest from foreign clubs, his contract was also recently extended, which tied him down to a contract until the summer of 2029.
The 25-year-old proceeds to be held in high regard by the coaching staff, and his refusal of the Saudis’ lucrative proposal implies his immense love for the Madrid crest.