Manchester United are looking at midfield alternatives now that a deal for Carlos Baleba looks unlikely this summer.
Throughout the summer window, it has been made clear that Ruben Amorim wants an “athletic” midfielder to be added to his Manchester United squad.
United made an approach for Carlos Baleba and were ready to bid for the 21-year-old star before hearing Brighton’s demands.
Now it seems Ineos will wait until 2026 for Baleba, meaning United will have to look elsewhere if they want to bring in a midfielder this summer.
United have shown interest in Adam Wharton as one option, but a new and cheaper alternative has now emerged.
Lucien Agoume of Sevilla in action in pre-season.
Photo by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Man United can sign their own Moises Caicedo this summer
Fresh reports suggest United are targeting Lucien Agoume as a new midfield option this summer.
The 23-year-old French midfielder is available for £35 million this summer, making him a much cheaper alternative to the likes of Baleba and Wharton.
According to Fbref, Agoume’s style of play is extremely similar to Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo as well as Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga.
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Interestingly, Brighton’s asking price for Baleba is based on the £115 million paid by Chelsea for Caicedo.
Agoume’s defensive stats are particularly impressive, with the Sevilla star ranking in the 96th percentile of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for interceptions made per 90 minutes.
He also ranks incredibly well for tackles made, aerial duels won and successful take-ons.
Lucien Agoume can be Casemiro’s heir at Man United
Casemiro is happy to stay at United for 2025/26, but the Brazilian midfielder is in the final year of his contract and expected to leave next summer.
Given that the 33-year-old started against Arsenal on the weekend, Amorim clearly feels as though he has not yet found a long-term replacement in either Manuel Ugarte or Kobbie Mainoo.
Amorim wants a midfielder capable of covering ground, winning duels and protecting his back three in transitions, and Agoume is a good fit for his 3-4-2-1 system.
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According to WhoScored, Agoume has four clear strengths – Aerial duels, interceptions, tackling and concentration.
Those four traits make him an ideal fit to replace Casemiro at Old Trafford and become a mainstay in Amorim’s side.