After addressing last season’s lack of goals by signing a new front three and also signing a new goalkeeper, Manchester United are determined to strengthen their midfield options next summer.
Manchester United were very active in the summer transfer window when it comes to both purchasing and offloading players, as they looked to reshape their squad ahead of a crucial campaign.
To address the mere 44 goals scored by the club last season in the Premier League, Ruben Amorim’s side spent a combined £214 million to sign a new forward line, with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško making their way to Old Trafford.
With both Andre Onana and Altay Bayındır at fault for goals in the opening four games of the season, suggesting they may not have what it takes to be United’s number one, the club also made a move for highly talented Belgian keeper Senne Lammens for £18.1 million.
Manchester United raised substantial funds in the final week of the summer transfer window as Amorim reshaped his squad. Alejandro Garnacho’s £40 million move to Chelsea was the headline departure. Rasmus Højlund’s season-long loan to Napoli could also prove lucrative, since it includes a £38 million obligation to buy if Antonio Conte’s side qualifies for the Champions League.
Elsewhere, Antony joined Real Betis for £21.7 million plus a 50% sell-on clause, while Marcus Rashford moved to Barcelona on loan with an option to buy for around £30 million next summer. Jadon Sancho also departed on loan, joining Aston Villa, with the Birmingham side covering 80% of his wage.
Man Utd considering fresh approach for Carlos Baleba
Despite signing several players who would seamlessly fit into Amorim’s starting lineup, the midfield remains in need of reinforcements. After missing out on several targets, United will aim to sign multiple midfielders next summer.
Carlos Baleba emerged as the main midfield transfer target that Amorim was chasing, but after being quoted a fee of around £100 million, United had to back out of talks, having already spent significant money addressing other positions.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United are expected to sign a new midfielder once the transfer window opens in January. However, it’s reported that Baleba will be almost impossible to sign during the winter window.
The Cameroonian midfielder remains at the top of Amorim’s wishlist, and as revealed on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, United would love to sign Baleba should Brighton reconsider their stance on the player.
However, the report claims that his £100 million price tag could rise before next summer’s transfer window, and with Brighton’s history of getting big-money sales over the line, United could be the latest club to fall prey to Brighton’s great track record of buying low and selling high.
Baleba deal only possible next summer
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, Transfer Correspondent Pete O’Rourke said: “His price tag’s only going to go up because of how he’s performing for Brighton.
“He’s a top player, Baleba, but he’s under contract until 2028, so Brighton are in no rush to cash in on him and have no intention of selling him.
“They were never going to sell him in the summer transfer window, and Man United’s interest never got as far as offers or bids being made.
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“Baleba is on United’s radar because they’re missing that type of player in midfield, and from what I know, if Brighton are to sell him, they’ll be looking for top dollar.
“There’s no guarantee his price tag will drop, and I expect it could even rise if he enjoys another stellar season for Brighton this year.
“Man United would love the opportunity to sign Baleba, but they’ll have to get past Brighton first, and they’ve shown that won’t be easy.”
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