Man Utd look to beat Real Madrid to exciting $55m midfielder

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 22 Aug 2025 04:44 CDT
• 3 min read

News

Manchester United have been linked with a plethora of midfielders recently as the club look to bolster their ranks in that position.

Having spent more than $233 million on strengthening their front line, United are now switching their focus to other areas of the pitch, with the midfield believed to be Ruben Amorim’s new highest priority.

However, the level of investment United can make to their squad will depend on outgoings, with Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony no further to resolving their futures at Old Trafford.

The situation could lead United to cash in on Kobbie Mainoo, with Tottenham reportedly ready to pounce, and such a move could pave way for a replacement such as Angelo Stiller.

Transfer reporter Ben Jacobs has claimed that Stiller’s name has come up in internal discussions between United officials, although there is no guarantee a move develops for the Stuttgart star.

Stiller extended his contract with Stuttgart in January, tying him to the Bundesliga side until 2028, with Liverpool and Real Madrid are among the sides that have previously been linked with him this summer.

United need sales to make Stiller transfer

United would only be able to meet Stiller’s $55m Expected Transfer Value (ETV) if they made a significant sale, although their unwanted stars may not end up finding moves until the end of the window.

Amorim would also ideally like to sell a midfielder if he is to sign a new one, but with no interest arising in Casemiro, United may be forced to consider Mainoo’s departure.

United may also end up not signing a midfielder at all after seeing an approach for top target Carlos Baleba fail last week, although names and potential targets are still being discussed.

The most likely options to leave United would be Garnacho, with Chelsea still expected to make a formal move for the winger even with two clubs are still being far apart in their respective valuations.

Sancho rejected a move to Roma this week as United continue their desperation to find him a new club, while Antony is still holding out for a move to Real Betis even with the Spanish side struggling to afford his asking price.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store