Manchester United have been credited with an interest in a highly-rated La Liga midfielder, who has also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.
Following their failed pursuit of Carlos Baleba last summer, a new midfielder will be high on Manchester United’s list of priorities in 2026.
Casemiro has become an indispensable part of Rúben Amorim’s squad, but is ageing and his contract is set to expire this summer, although United have the option to extend it for a further year.
Manuel Ugarte has been nothing short of a tremendous disappointment since moving to Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, and United would be smart to move him on in the summer, before his value falls even lower.
Kobbie Mainoo is an outstanding player, but is seen as an understudy to Bruno Fernandes, meaning United will need to find someone capable of playing next to both Fernandes and Mainoo.
When United ended their pursuit of Baleba last summer, the expectation was that they would return in the future for the Cameroonian. However, his poor start to the season and other options on the market could alter plans. In addition to Baleba, United have been linked to a host of midfielders including Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, and Morten Hjulmand.
United keen on Guerra
United are said to be showing an interest in Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra. The Red Devils have been linked with Guerra for some time, including during the summer transfer window, but they chose not to make a move for the young Spaniard.
According to Fichajes, United see Guerra as ‘a midfield “joker” with good physicality and versatility’. Despite having a contract until 2029 with a £88 million release clause, Valencia could be prepared to do business for Guerra for as low as £22 million.
Guerra is no longer performing at the required level, making this the ideal time for Valencia to sell, before his value drops even further.
Guerra’s low asking price has also made him an option for AC Milan and Atletico Madrid, according to Fichajes, with both clubs closely monitoring his situation ahead of the coming transfer window.
Guerra can’t be the only midfield signing
Javi Guerra has long been linked to United, and the Spaniard is undoubtedly a talented player, despite his dip in form.
For a fee of around £20 million, Guerra would be an astute piece of business. It would be a low-risk deal, with potentially a massive upside.
Read More: “There are always rumours…” – Adam Wharton reveals the truth behind Manchester United links
That being said, United would still need to go all out for a marquee midfield signing, even if they sign Guerra. An elite defensive midfielder would elevate United massively, and potentially allow them to become title-challengers
There are a number of elite midfield players who will be on the market in the summer. United got it massively wrong with Ugarte. That cannot happen again. The squad is significantly better than it’s given credit for, and a top No.6 could take United a lot closer to a Premier League title than many people may realise.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.