The release clause of a Manchester United midfield target has now been confirmed, and Rúben Amorim will be a big fan.
Manchester United are known to be interested in midfielders. Previous reports have stated that Jason Wilcox, the Director of Football, is looking to bring in two in 2026, with one in the January transfer window and another in the summer.
While United have been linked to many different options, including Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton, they will have to ensure that whoever is signed is a good fit for Rúben Amorim’s dynamic midfield setup.
Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have both struggled at Old Trafford, but Amorim’s tactical tweak has led to some improvements. Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro, the wide centre-backs, have started to push into midfield and follow the opposition, meaning Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes don’t get overloaded.
Even though this had led to a more impressive United midfield, a new engine room signing would be seriously beneficial to any Europa League or Champions League hopes this season.
Therefore, looking for a new midfielder is crucial, and United have now learnt of one target’s release clause for the upcoming transfer windows.
Froholdt’s high release clause
While United may have their attention on higher-profile targets, FC Porto’s Victor Froholdt is a real option for the Red Devils, according to Fichajes. United have shown “admiration” for the Denmark international after “favourable reports” from some of the scouting team.
Fichajes have now confirmed Froholdt’s release clause is just over £75 million, a high fee for an unproven midfielder. However, Froholdt has had an impressive season with two goals and three assists in 11 league appearances. His side remains unbeaten in the Portuguese league, with 31 points from 11 matches.
Amorim will be aware of Forholdt’s talents after spending time as the Sporting CP manager before making the switch to Old Trafford. Still, United could have to rival Atletico Madrid in the coming transfer windows.
According to the Fichajes report, Forholdt’s entourage of watching Diego Simeone’s side with great interest, while the club are confident they can agree a deal for less than the high release clause.
United won’t want to miss out on the young midfielder, as he is a great fit for Amorim’s system. Forholdt reportedly ran 17km in a Conference League tie and could use his running power to cover the gaps in the United midfield.
United should look for cheap signings in January
While the need for a midfielder is obvious, United should look for a cheaper option in January, with Casemiro continuing as the regular starter until the end of the season. Less expensive transfers can still be key players, as Patrick Dorgu has proved since his move last winter.
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Signing a key player like Elliot Anderson or Carlos Baleba in January will be too expensive for the Red Devils, who should also be looking at a centre-forward. Forholdt could also prove too much for a January signing, so United may look elsewhere.
Perhaps Amorim may choose to trust some Jacob Devaney or Sékou Koné from the under-21s side in a defensive midfielder, although both players could benefit from a loan spell in the EFL.
Kobbie Mainoo will also be hungry for more minutes in the first team, but he seems to be competing with Fernandes, rather than Casemiro and Ugarte. However, he could be used in a more defensive role until the end of the season.
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