Man Utd blow race for 'next Michael Essien' wide open as bid confirmed

Tom Weber

Updated: 9 Feb 2026 16:06 GMT
4 min read

Manchester United and several other Premier League sides are interested in Nordsjaelland midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, according to a report.

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The 20-year-old has been one of the standout midfielders in the Danish Superliga this term. Yirenkyi has scored twice and produced five assists in 18 games so far from his deep-lying position in the centre of the park.

One of Nordsjaelland's many Right to Dream alumni, the Ghanaian has earned comparisons to Chelsea legend Michael Essien, who is currently guiding his development as an assistant coach at the club.

Yirenkyi is coming off a Man of the Match performance against Sonderjyske at the weekend. According to TEAMtalk, scouts from Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd watched the youngster in action on Sunday.

Man Utd, in particular, appear to have been left enchanted by the 20-year-old, who already has eight senior caps for Ghana under his belt. The Red Devils, of course, are looking to revamp their midfield this summer.

Man Utd learn Yirenkyi price

The report claims that Nordsjaelland rejected a €17 million bid from an unnamed club in the January transfer window. The Danish side are said to be asking for at least €25m to sell Yirenkyi. Internally, it is believed that the 20-year-old will break Ernest Nuamah's €25m transfer record.

In addition to Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea, a host of other English clubs are chasing Yirenkyi's signature. Interestingly, he features high on Brighton's shortlist of potential Carlos Baleba replacements.

The Cameroon international is, of course, a top target for Man Utd. Given the expected cost of Baleba, the Old Trafford outfit could take a leaf out of Brighton's book and instead take a gamble on the cheaper, younger alternative.

Signing Yirenkyi will not be straightforward, and not just because of the sizeable competition for his signature. The midfielder only penned a new long-term contract with Nordsjaelland in October, putting the Danish side in a strong negotiating position.

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