Manchester United has been busy in the transfer market this summer. They made some interesting additions to the squad that finished a record low 15th in the Premier League last season. So far, the Red Devils have invested heavily in their attack. First, they bought Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported £64.2 million. Then they brought in Diego Leon, an 18-year-old from Paraguay. Following him was Brentford’s standout forward, Bryan Mbeumo, for £65 million. Finally, after a tug of war with Newcastle United, they managed to sign 22-year-old striker Benjamin Sesko for a reported £66.2 million.
The Manchester club is not done yet, according to reports. While they have spent over £150 million on their attack, the squad needs improvement in other areas too. Hence, it doesn’t come as a surprise that United are being linked with more players.
Manchester United’s transfer targets
One critical area that United is trying to address is the club’s midfield. Ruben Amorim doesn’t seem to be a big fan of the young Kobbie Mainoo, while last summer’s signing, Manuel Ugarte, has struggled to adapt. Therefore, the club are interested in signing a player that could elevate their midfield.
Carlos Baleba
Their chosen one seems to be Carlos Baleba. The defensive midfielder is the newest gem from Brighton’s talent factory, succeeding the likes of Caicedo, MacAllister and Bissouma.
Manchester United has been linked with the Cameroonian heavily in the past few days. However, the links have since been shut down, as both Brighton and United don’t see the player making a move this summer. Newer reports suggest that United are preparing to sign the £112 million-rated midfielder next summer.
Adam Wharton
The Red Devils are looking at alternatives, seeing as the Baleba project will have to be delayed. Reports linking the club with Adam Wharton, another talented Premier League midfielder, have emerged. The English midfielder signed for Crystal Palace in 2024 and lit up the Premier League, making it into the Euro 2024 England squad along the way.
United reportedly admires the player and is looking to test the Eagles’ resolve in holding on to the player. Man United legend, Rio Ferdinand, has urged United to make a move for Wharton, comparing him to Michael Carrick, another United icon.
Morten Hjulmand
Another player that the United board reportedly appreciates is Sporting CP’s captain, Morten Hjulmand. Hjulmand is a highly rated 26-year-old Defensive Midfielder from Denmark. The player has been voted into the Primeira Liga Team of the Year twice in a row, in 2025 and 2024.
Manchester United would like to reunite the midfielder with his ex-coach, Ruben Amorim, under whom he was a captain during a very successful period. However, no talks with Sporting CP have taken place yet.
Lucien Agoume
Recent reports suggest that Manchester United are also looking into French midfielder Lucien Agoume. The 23-year-old Sevilla midfielder possesses a profile that the Mancunians value a lot.
Now you’ve all gotten over your Baleba delusions… Here’s who we should be focusing on buying now 💰
Lucien Agoumé 🇫🇷 (23
6”2 – CDM – 6/8 Hybrid – Dynamic Box-to-box midfielder (cost app – €30m)
The perfect addition to our midfield for 25/26 #MUFC 🇾🇪 pic.twitter.com/fmhvOLuIBo
— 🇾🇪 (@UtdRelm) August 16, 2025
The defensive midfielder has a release clause in his contract worth £35 million, although Sevilla would be willing to let him go for no less than £26 million. Man United are said to open negotiations with a bid between £22-26 million, per some reports.
Whom should United sign?
United is clearly targeting a defensive midfielder, rightfully so. Who they sign, though, is very important. They cannot afford to miss the mark with this signing due to the circumstances at the club currently. The most proven option is Carlos Baleba, and he happens to be the best option among the ones linked to United. His profile is very complete, and he would give United control in midfield, which they lack. However, his signing is not possible this summer. Hence, the recommended option would be to go for a low-money, low-risk option this summer, and go all out for Baleba the next. This makes Agoume the best option for this summer, considering he’s a player who possesses the profile needed by United, and would come for cheap.