Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has opened up on what Manchester United have planned ahead of the 2026 transfer window, including the changes of a January signing.
Manchester United strengthened Rúben Amorim’s squad with five first-team additions during the summer transfer window.
Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha were recruited to reinforce the attack. At the same time, Senne Lammens also came in to add depth to the goalkeeping department, and has already established himself as the club’s first-choice in the position.
Despite investing more than £200 million, the squad still has obvious gaps, and United have already begun planning for next summer.
Midfield remains the biggest concern, with the club once again failing to properly address their long-standing issues in that area.
Romano speaks on 2026 transfer plans
United’s most recent fixture was a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. Despite leading for most of the game, Amorim’s men found themselves a goal behind with just minutes left to play, until Matthijs de Ligt rose highest to secure a last-gasp point for the Reds.
But, with plenty of fixtures on the horizon and a possible injury to Casemiro, heads are already turning to the 2026 transfer windows, and Fabrizio Romano has spoken about the possibility of signing a midfielder in January.
Conor Gallagher was a player United looked at securing on deadline day last summer. Still, Atletico Madrid refused to sanction a loan deal, and reports have since suggested that they would demand as much as £52 million for the player next year.
Speaking with GiveMeSport, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has explained that the Englishman could be an “opportunity” for the club, while confirming that United will try to sign at least one midfielder in 2026.
“Conor Gallagher could be an opportunity, but Atletico Madrid didn’t want to let him go in August,” Romano explained. “So let’s see what happens in the January window.
“Angelo Stiller is also a player they appreciate from Stuttgart, but I don’t see a German club selling one of the stars in the January window at all. So January is not going to be easy. It’s going to be about opportunities in the summer could be different.
“And for sure, Manchester United in 2026 will add again, at least one midfielder.”
United cannot wait until the summer
United’s midfield summer transfer targets are clear. The club did well by recruiting Cunha and Mbeumo from Premier League sides, and they are looking to continue the trend when they bring in new midfielders.
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is high on the list, with Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace and Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, both of whom are known to be admired by United, also being monitored.
It’s thought that these signings would undoubtedly cost upward of £60-70 million each, making it a summer operation. However, in terms of acquiring another player, the club cannot wait until the summer.
With midweek fixtures set to come into play in the Premier League in December and FA Cup games also to commence in January, United will need extra cover for the midfield.
Casemiro took a knock against Tottenham and cannot play twice a week, while Manuel Ugarte does not appear to be up to speed. The club must look to bring in at least one before the second half of the season gets underway.
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