Manchester United are in the market for midfielders in 2026 and Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka is about to become available.
It is no secret that Ineos will be overhauling Manchester United’s midfield department in the summer.
While the January transfer window has so far been a quiet one for the Red Devils, that won’t be the case at the end of the season.
Who would be your dream Manchester United midfield pairing for 2026/27? ⚽️
Let us know who you want to see in midfield for Manchester United next season in the comments!
Adam Wharton playing against Albania for England.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Casemiro has confirmed he is leaving as a free agent, while Manuel Ugarte continues to be linked with an exit. An already thin midfield core is about to be shrunk even more, so reinforcements will be needed.
Elliot Anderson is United’s top target, but reports suggest United will make multiple midfield signings in the summer. One option that has emerged is Leon Goretzka.
FC Bayern Munich Training Session
Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images
Fabrizio Romano on Leon Goretzka and Man United links
Goretzka was linked with United back in 2021 as a potential replacement for Paul Pogba, but it never came to fruition.
Again in 2023, United showed interest in Goretzka, but it seems the best opportunity to land the German midfielder will come this summer as he is set to leave Bayern as a free agent.
More United News
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano received plenty of questions about whether United could look to sign the 30-year-old, but he swatted the rumours away.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Two quick things on Manchester United. One is about all the questions I’m receiving on Leon Goretzka.
Imagine you are Jason Wilcox… what transfer business would you do before deadline day?
Go all out for a midfielder? Make a under the radar swoop? Let us know!
Director of football Jason Wilcox in action during a first-team training session at the Carrington training complex in 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
“Goretzka will leave Bayern as a free agent in the summer, but Goretzka will have plenty of options. My understanding is that Man United will go very big for midfielders in the summer, trust me, very big.
“They could sign one, maybe two midfielders in the summer transfer window. Casemiro is leaving and so Man United will go very strong for midfielders.
“But at the moment, I’m not aware of anything advanced for Goretzka.”
Man United need blend of youth and experience in midfield
In Casemiro, United are losing their most experienced member of the squad. The five-time Champions League winner will be sorely missed both on and off the pitch.
Anderson and Adam Wharton are United’s top midfield targets, and at 23 and 21 years old, they will bring youth and potential to Old Trafford.
It is important for Ineos to build for the future, and United’s new transfer strategy reflects that.
READ MORE: Man United already have full scout report on striker who is scoring at the same rate as Erling Haaland
Goretzka would be Ineos’ oldest signing so far if he made the move to Manchester, but he still has plenty of football to play and he would bring priceless experience to help some of the younger midfielders, including Kobbie Mainoo.
If Ineos do make two midfield signings this summer, an expensive, young signing matched with a cheaper veteran addition would be smart business.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox