Manchester United already know their transfer priority for next yearplaceholder image
Manchester United already know their transfer priority for next year | Getty Images
The latest Man Utd transfer news and gossip with one target already identified for next year.
The European transfer window might have only closed this week, but Manchester United reportedly already know who they will target when it opens again next summer.
Ruben Amorim was backed with £216 million this summer as United added five players to their first-team across the window. The bulk of that was spent on overhauling their attacking options as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko arrived at Old Trafford. Senne Lammens arrived on deadline day to provide another option in goal and teenager defender Diego Leon completed his pre-agreed move to Manchester.
Those arrivals have significantly strengthened the options at Amorim's disposal, though the head coach wasn't able to address every position he wanted to strengthen. United sources claimed a midfielder was not a 'priority' during the window, though they did try to sign one without any success.
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A midfield overhaul is expected to be top of their list next year, with at least two needed already. Casemiro is expected to leave the club as a free agent when his contract expires, Manuel Ugarte has struggled since he arrived a year ago, Kobbie Mainoo asked to leave on loan this summer and Bruno Fernandes will once again be a target for Saudi clubs.
Fabrizio Romano confirms midfield transfer interest
Manchester United might downplay their attempts to sign a midfielder but it was an area they would like to have addressed if possible. United made enquiries to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton, but walked away when it became clear the South Coast club would only sell him for a minimum fee of £115 million.
United also made a late enquiry to sign Conor Gallagher on loan from Atletico Madrid and there was interest in both Atalanta ace Ederson and Sporting star Morten Hjlumand. United were also linked with Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart, Valencia gem Javi Guerra and Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoume during the window.
There is also a long-term interest in Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, who could emerge as another serious target next summer in the next stage of their rebuild. Regardless of the formation they play, United need to sign at least two midfielders and transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano is adamant Baleba will be on their list.
Writing in his latest GIVEMESPORT newsletter, he provided a brief update on their plans to sign a midfielder next year: "He will stay on Manchester United's list for 2026, for sure. Then we will see if they decide to invest big on him or not."
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