Fabrizio Romano confirms 'important' Man Utd signing

Tom Weber

Updated: 3 Oct 2025 19:56 BST
4 min read

Fabrizio Romano has once again reiterated that Manchester United will sign an 'important' midfielder in 2026.

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The Red Devils looked to strengthen their engine room in the bygone summer window, but their attempts at signing Carlos Baleba were frustrated by Brighton's not-for-sale stance.

Man Utd eventually gave up on the Cameroon international and refrained from bringing in an alternative. A late deal for Conor Gallagher was explored, although opinions differ on whether this was driven by the Old Trafford club or Atletico Madrid offering up the England star.

Current ETV

Carlos Baleba

DM, M (C)

Brighton

Carlos Baleba

DM, M (C)

Brighton

ETV Range

€51M - €62.3M

Having endured a torrid start to the season, with the midfield repeatedly causing issues, the signing of a player for that department remains a priority. Baleba is still the top target, but other names are also being identified.

The likes of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Angelo Stiller, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Yegor Yarmolyuk are all being linked with a move to Old Trafford. It remains to be seen if Man Utd can bring in a reinforcement in January or if they will have to wait until the summer.

Romano guarantees midfielder signing

One midfielder whose signing has already been completed is that of 17-year-old Colombia youth international Cristian Orozco, who is joining in a $1 million deal from Fortaleza.

However, the youngster is a clear signing for the future and will not be an immediate upgrade for the first team. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has now reiterated that Man Utd will also add an 'important' senior midfielder.

"Yes, Orozco is for the future. I expect Man United to bring in a new important midfielder in 2026," the Italian market expert told GIVEMESPORT when quizzed about the club's transfer plans.

Romano did not name any targets, but it's clear that there could be significant personnel turnover in Man Utd's midfield next year, not just on the incoming front. He previously revealed that Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte could depart, while Kobbie Mainoo is agitating for a January loan.

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