Ranked: Manchester United’s next midfield targets after Romano hints at another Red Devils signing
Michael Carrick is putting together a strong Manchester United team that can compete in the Champions League, with more new players on the way, according to Fabrizio Romano.
On Monday, Man United announced they signed Andrey Santos for around £48 million plus £2 million in add-ons. This came shortly after they stopped Ederson’s move from Atalanta. Santos is seen as a fantastic midfielder with great technical skills, said director of football Jason Wilcox. He’s likely to be joined by another well-known Premier League player.
United are close to signing Aston Villa’s playmaker Youri Tielemans, who has a £35 million release clause. Tielemans is considered one of the best deep-lying midfielders in the Premier League and has impressed Villa since joining on a free transfer from Leicester City in 2023. The 29-year-old has played 134 games for Villa, and his five goal contributions helped end the club’s 30-year wait for a big trophy in the Europa League last season.
Tielemans is expected to take his medical at Old Trafford soon, as Carrick keeps rebuilding the midfield after injuries and departures. Getting these two players for £83 million is a great start for United this summer. According to Romano, the club is also working on signing a third midfielder.
Romano said on YouTube, “Man United probably aren’t done in midfield yet, so they might add one more player before the window closes. The club is looking at options and talking with the board and coach Michael Carrick to find the best choice.”
United’s careful approach is paying off. While other clubs have spent huge amounts on midfielders, United are getting quality players for much less, with a third signing possibly on the way.
At the top of their list is Roma’s Manu Kone. The 25-year-old French player, currently at the World Cup, could be bought for about £47 million. Kone is great with the ball and strong physically, ranking in the top 15% in Serie A for recoveries and top 19% for tackles last season. His style would fit well alongside Tielemans and Santos. Roma’s coach has hinted Kone might leave this summer.
Another option is Joao Gomes, a Brazilian whom United have wanted for a while. His move to Atletico Madrid recently fell through, and he’s known as a top ball-winner—he ranked third in tackles in the 2024/25 season. Like Kone, Gomes has experience in a top league, which could convince the club to sign him.
Kone and Gomes seem to be the most likely new midfielders United are after, but as with Tielemans, there could still be surprises.
United also have a known interest in Carlos Baleba from Brighton. Ruben Amorim tried to sign him before when he managed Brighton, and Baleba even agreed personal terms last summer. But his £100 million price tag stopped the deal. This summer, Brighton wants at least £70 million for the Cameroon player, which United don’t want to pay, especially with cheaper options available.
So Baleba might have to wait longer for his dream move to Old Trafford, while a signing like Gomes or Kone seems more realistic right now.