Manchester United are set to activate a £52 million plan that could secure the transfers of Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba next summer.
Although the 2025/26 season is still in its early stages, Manchester United are already planning ahead for next summer’s transfer window.
Their recent recruitment has earned plenty of praise, with the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens standing out as smart additions. However, there are still obvious gaps in the squad that need addressing.
Ruben Amorim is particularly keen to reinforce the midfield, and a number of potential targets have already been linked with a move to Old Trafford for next year.
Among those being targeted is Carlos Baleba of Brighton as well as Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, although those type of signings will not come cheap.
United set to activate £52m plan to secure Anderson and Baleba
If United are looking to sign at least two top level midfielders next summer, they would have to spend at least £150 million and they have a plan in place to make room in the budget.
According to the latest information from ESPN, United’s plan to strengthen in midfield is being shaped by the prospect of cutting around £1 million-a-week from the club’s wage-bill.
With high-earners such as Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford all set to leave the club next year, United could free up around £52 million-a-year through wages and it is claimed that they aim to re-invest the savings on youthful and energetic players.
Anderson and Baleba both fit those categories and while they would cost a lot in terms of transfer fees, neither player would likely demand outrageous salaries.
Forest are reportedly paying Anderson around £45,000-a-week right now, while Baleba earns even less than that at the Amex Stadium.
United need quality in midfield
You don’t often see clubs sign two expensive signings in the same position in the same window, especially not at Old Trafford.
But adding quality in the midfield areas has been a priority at United for many years, and some fans would argue that two additions might not even be enough.
Securing two more Premier League-proven players, while also improving the wage bill at the club, would be some good business from United and something they are clearly aiming for next year.
Baleba and Anderson appear to be the favoured options right now, and having them in a midfield unit alongside the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes could be a very exciting prospect.
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