Manchester United are planning a significant midfield reinforcement next summer, with a seven-man shortlist already drawn up by the club's hierarchy.
The Midfield Overhaul Plan
Following their disappointing 1-0 Premier League defeat to Everton on Monday night, Manchester United are determined to strengthen Ruben Amorim's squad at the next available opportunity. While major January spending appears unlikely after last summer's £225million outlay on players including Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, the club has already turned its attention to summer rebuilding.
The Red Devils could free up substantial financial resources with several high earners approaching the end of their contracts. Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho all see their deals expire at season's end, while Marcus Rashford's £325,000-a-week contract could disappear if he completes a permanent move to Barcelona. According to ESPN's Rob Dawson, this could trim as much as £1 million per week from the wage bill.
The Seven Transfer Targets
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos intend to reinvest these savings into strengthening United's midfield, with seven primary targets identified.
Carlos Baleba leads the group of targets, with the 21-year-old Brighton midfielder having been the subject of tentative enquiries from United in August. However, the Seagulls have set a staggering £115m price tag for the Cameroonian, which would eclipse the club's record signing of Paul Pogba for £89m in 2016.
United are also monitoring England's midfield duo Elliott Anderson (23) from Nottingham Forest and Adam Wharton (21) from Crystal Palace. Both players have enjoyed impressive starts to the season and have subsequently climbed up the pecking order under England boss Thomas Tuchel, each earning starts during the November international break.
Despite playing for struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers, who currently sit rock bottom in the Premier League without a win after 12 games, the Wolves duo of Joao Gomes and Andre both feature on United's shortlist. Each is likely to demand a cheaper fee than the aforementioned trio.
Former Chelsea star Conor Gallagher is reportedly being monitored, though United face significant competition. According to Sky Sports, only Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City have not expressed interest in the 22-cap England international, with up to 16 Premier League clubs reportedly tracking him ahead of January.
Completing the seven-man list is Stuttgart's highly-rated German midfielder Angelo Stiller, who is also a target for Bayern Munich. The Red Devils were offered the chance to sign Gallagher on transfer deadline day but now face stiff competition to lure him to Old Trafford.
Strategic Shift Under New Leadership
This targeted approach represents a strategic shift for Manchester United as they look to rebuild under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's leadership. The potential wage bill reduction provides unprecedented financial flexibility, allowing the club to pursue both established talents and emerging stars in the midfield department where reinforcement has become increasingly urgent.
The broad scope of targets – ranging from premium-priced prospects like Baleba to more affordable options from struggling clubs – demonstrates United's comprehensive approach to solving their midfield needs ahead of what promises to be a transformative summer transfer window.
