Man Utd set for midfield u-turn after twist in transfer for €100m top target

Manchester United will not be able to sign one of their top transfer targets for 2026, with Ruben Amorim’s side likely to be forced into rethinking their shortlist to strengthen in midfield.

United have made the addition of two elite midfielders their biggest priority for the coming months, with the likes of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton high up on their wishlist.

However, arguably the most coveted target for United has been Carlos Baleba, with the club having an approach turned down for the Cameroonian during the summer and being told that it would take a bid of more than €100 million for Brighton to even consider a sale.

Baleba has since struggled for form and the 21-year-old admitted recently that he has ‘felt the pressure’ this season, leading to hopes from United that they could capitalise on the situation with a fresh approach for the midfielder next summer.

But a new report from The Times claims that Brighton are not planning on selling Baleba until 2027 at which point he will have two years left on his contract (assuming a one-year option in his deal is activated.)

The development could lead to United altering their plans, particularly with a desire to add quality in the January transfer window and the presence of rivals circling their top targets.

United set for complete revamp of midfield in 2026

United are exploring a deal for Ruben Neves in January, with the Portuguese international keen for a Premier League return as he enters the last six months of his contract with Al-Hilal, although they could face competition from Real Madrid.

Conor Gallagher is also a likely target in the winter, although Atletico Madrid are yet to soften their stance from the summer of only considering a permanent sale for the 25-year-old, compared to United’s preference for a loan move.

The potential arrival of two new midfielders could allow Kobbie Mainoo to leave the club on loan amid his increasing desire for first team football, while Manuel Ugarte is also wanted by the likes of Nice and Galatasaray.

United could then allow Casemiro to leave at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract and also potentially cash in on Bruno Fernandes after it was revealed the club captain has a €65m release clause to foreign clubs in his contract.

Casemiro and Fernandes’ departures could then finance a move for Anderson or Wharton, while Tyler Adams is also considered a target to give Amorim a much-needed revamp of his midfield options.

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