Manchester United are ‘fully convinced’ about signing AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana in January, according to Spanish outlet Vamos Mi Sevilla.
The Red Devils strengthened their midfield department with the signings of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba in the last transfer window.
Santos and Tielemans started the new season together in central midfield, but the former has since been dropped from the XI. He has been replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.
Baleba looks poised to make his debut after his ankle injury against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, but Vamos Mi Sevilla claim that United are still looking for another quality midfielder.
They have been left impressed by Fofana’s performances since joining Sevilla on loan, and are prepared to negotiate a permanent transfer with the Rossoneri as early as January.
Sevilla have no option or obligation to buy Fofana at the end of the season. Milan could seek to terminate the loan in January with compensation, though Sevilla may want to keep him.
Fofana speculation could be agent-driven
The 27-year-old has made a bright start with Sevilla in La Liga. He has featured in four league matches for the Andalusian outfit, scoring one goal during the 3-1 loss to Barcelona last month.
Fofana has won almost five duels and five recoveries per appearance with two tackles. Despite this, we doubt whether United will pursue another midfielder midway through the season.
Manager Michael Carrick has yet to get the best out of his summer acquisitions. Tielemans has made a good mark, but Santos has yet to establish himself after a forgettable outing at Hull City.
Baleba is the marquee defensive midfielder in the squad, but he is coming off an injury and a below-par 2025/26 season. The Cameroonian has much to prove once he gets up to full speed.
Fofana signed for Milan for around £21 million two years ago. The Rossoneri could be willing to do business with United if they are prepared to pay a similar fee at the start of the year.
However, we still feel the speculation could be agent-driven rather than United weighing up a move. In our view, the club’s main priority for the New Year should be the left-back position.
United can’t rely on Luke Shaw every game due to his unreliable fitness, given Patrick Dorgu is inconsistent as a defensive solution. The Dane is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
With the extra workload from European football, United should have addressed their left-back concern this summer and must now seek to secure a new signing for the position in January.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com