-
News
- 1 hour ago
Inside Man Utd’s search for a new midfielder – eight names, one big decision
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 21 Mar 2026 04:34 CDT
- 8 min read
Analysis
Manchester United’s hunt for a new midfielder has gone into overdrive, with eight players linked to Old Trafford just this week. From Premier League stalwarts to European standouts, we assess which targets really fit - and who’s just paper talk.
Joao Gomes – Wolves
Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €51m
What’s the latest? Joao Gomes has re-emerged as a leading transfer target for Man Utd, despite previously indicating that he has a dream to move to Liverpool.
United are stepping up their interest in the Wolves star but face possible competition from the Reds, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.
Source: TeamTalk
Verdict: Joao Gomes is a strong fit for Man Utd’s midfield according to data analytics experts SciSports.
Furthermore, United did business with Wolves last summer to get a deal for Matheus Cunha over the line.
With Rob Edwards’ side heading down, Gomes is surely leaving, making this a plausible deal.
Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest
Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €64.8m
What’s the latest? Man Utd’s top target, England international Anderson is seen as the player that the Red Devils should prioritise by those inside the club.
While the Old Trafford side are willing to match Forest’s valuation of around €92.5m, Manchester City are regarded as “clear frontrunners” to land the former Newcastle man.
United plan to fight and “make a substantial effort” to sign the 23-year-old, but they appreciate it will be an uphill struggle.
Source: BBC Sport
Verdict: City are likely to outbid United on wages when it comes to Anderson, so for that reason he seems like an outside bet to wind up at Old Trafford.
Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace
Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €64.8m
What’s the latest? Wharton is on Man Utd’s shortlist, having long been a target for the Red Devils. His Premier League experience is one of the reasons for this, but his form has also been highly impressive.
The issue is that the 22-year-old would favour a move to Liverpool, while there is still the prospect of a deal with Real Madrid.
Source: BBC Sport
Verdict: Should Man Utd reach the Champions League and Liverpool miss out, the Red Devils will have a real shot of landing the England star. It won’t be an easy battle, and the type of money involved will be significant.
Carlos Baleba – Brighton
Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €69.6m
What’s the latest? Man Utd have engaged in talks with Baleba’s representatives over a potential summer move, despite the fact that no final decisions over a transfer will be taken before the end of the season.
Brighton, meanwhile, are “expected to be tough to negotiate with”.
Source: CentreDevils
Verdict: Baleba hasn’t been at his best this season, but this means that if Man Utd are willing to take a punt on him regaining his top level, he may well move for far less than the €100m figure being bandied around last summer.
Still, the Cameroon international has likely fallen down the Red Devils’ shortlist due to his comparative struggles.
Sandro Tonali - Newcastle
Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €58.9m
What’s the latest? Rumours linking Sandro Tonali with a move away from Newcastle are building, and while his agent has previously said it’s the player’s “dream” to join Arsenal, Man Utd have also been mentioned as a possible destination for the Italy star.
It’s claimed that Man Utd’s interest in Tonali is “clear” but that any deal will cost in excess of €115m.
Source: iNews
Verdict: Newcastle are likely to stick by their guns over their valuation for Tonali – at least when it comes to their Premier League rivals. Interest has also arrived from Serie A, with Juventus and Inter casting their eye over the Italy star.
For a fee in excess of €115m, it’s hard to see United being willing to do a deal given they have multiple positions to fill.
Bruno Guimaraes - Newcastle
Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €80.8m
What’s the latest? Man Utd are in “advanced discussions” with Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and are closing in on the Brazil international.
Casemiro has personally recommended the former Lyon midfielder to the Old Trafford hierarchy, although sudden interest from Real Madrid is threatening to disrupt the deal.
Source: Reuters
Verdict: This appears to be a story with real legs. The source is sound, the price point appears accurate and the profile is right. Of all Man Utd’s midfield links, this looks the most robust.
Leon Goretzka – Bayern Munich
Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €13.4m
What’s the latest? Man Utd are locked in a battle with Arsenal to sign Goretzka but have an edge over their London rivals thanks to their ability to offer him greater guarantees of first-team football.
Arsenal’s midfield options are stacked, but United look far lighter in that area as Casemiro prepares to depart this summer.
Source: Football Insider
Verdict: Any proven winner who is coming up for free agency is likely to attract interest from all sorts of clubs, and Goretzka is no different.
Still only 31, he makes a logical choice for United thanks to his experience and low cost. The issue is that competition will be fierce. Barcelona and Arsenal are other suitors who can offer attractive projects.
Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
Estimated Transfer Value (ETV): €124.5m
What’s the latest? Man Utd are preparing a bid of €120m to try to sign Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid and are prepared to offer up to €150m for the former Dortmund star.
Source: Fichajes
Verdict: Bellingham would be a dream for Man Utd but the England star, who is still under contract at Real Madrid until 2029, is out of their reach for now. This is a headline-grabbing rumour, but don’t expect anything to come of it.
Related stories:
Transfer Rumours: Man Utd chase Bayern superstar amid €165m bid claim
Man Utd Transfer News Today: €100m Guimaraes truth as frontrunners revealed
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:
