Although Rúben Amorim has set his sights on signing a new midfielder this summer, Manchester United’s transfer chase has already hit several snags.
Manchester United are nearing the end of their summer transfer window activity, with Rúben Amorim still intent on adding to his squad.
The club have already brought in Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo, and most recently striker Benjamin Šeško.
Those four deals have amounted to around £214 million, with only Leon’s fee coming in below £60 million. Amorim remains keen to sign both a midfielder and a goalkeeper, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba at the top of his midfield shortlist.
However, with the 21-year-old reportedly valued at close to £100 million, United will need to generate funds through player sales before moving forward.
United immediately hit with Baleba backup issue
According to reports from Friday morning, United have already conceded that signing Baleba may be a more realistic option for next summer, rather than the coming few weeks, but that the club is still determined to secure a new centre-forward.
A few months ago, it emerged that United had also identified Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand as another “perfect” option for the head coach’s plans, and had done basic checks to understand the feasibility of signing the player.
It then emerged that United had labelled the Danish international as a backup option if they failed to land their top choice, Baleba, but this now appears unlikely.
According to the Portuguese outlet Record, Hjulmand has become almost impossible to sign this summer. His £68 million release clause expired on June 15, and with Sporting having already sold Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal, they have already closed the door on any other significant exits.
United still set to push for Baleba
Despite United knowing that signing Baleba is a more viable option next summer, United are still looking to push for the midfielder this summer.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United are keeping talks active for Baleba, with the player keen on a move to Old Trafford. United are now preparing to approach Brighton with an opening proposal in an effort to get the deal moving.
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The transfer remains difficult, as Brighton continue to insist they want to keep Baleba and are only open to potentially selling him in 2026.
Despite this, Romano insists United are pushing to try their luck, especially with funds expected to come in from potential outgoings involving Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Antony.
Baleba is keen on joining United, and personal terms are not expected to be an issue if the two clubs can reach an agreement. United’s interest remains firm as they look to strengthen their midfield before the window closes.
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