Transfer speculation: Manchester United identifies key midfield targets
Manchester United have identified their summer transfer objectives, while another prominent European club has joined the pursuit of out-of-contract Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka.
Stay with us for the latest updates on transfers and rumors from across the globe.
Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades
TRENDING RUMORS
– According to The Sun, Manchester United aims to secure four new players during the summer transfer window. The club intends to recruit two midfielders to compensate for Casemiro‘s exit, with interest in Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, and AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. Additionally, they seek a left-sided center-back should Harry Maguire depart and may pursue a backup goalkeeper with Altay Bayindir expected to leave.
– Manchester United appears to face competition for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, as The Daily Mail reports that Bayern Munich is intensifying their interest in the 23-year-old. Recent reports have also connected Manchester City with the England international, who has earned six caps and has stood out despite Forest’s difficulties.
– Following Calciomercato’s speculation linking Leon Goretzka with AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, La Gazzetta dello Sport has indicated that Juventus is also interested in the Bayern Munich midfielder, who will be a free agent this summer. Juventus has made two unsuccessful attempts to sign the 31-year-old Germany international in the past and is prepared to make a third effort. Luciano Spalletti has prioritized Goretzka for the summer, and Juventus is working to secure his signature amid competition.
– Barcelona is highly likely to acquire João Cancelo if a free transfer is feasible, according to Diario Sport, with the full-back currently on loan from Al Hilal. The 31-year-old’s contract with the Saudi Pro League club extends until 2027, but the Portugal international is willing to forfeit a significant portion of his salary to join Barça permanently after his second loan at the Catalan club.
– Juventus is growing increasingly optimistic about signing Lorenzo Pellegrini as a free agent, with the attacking midfielder’s AS Roma contract set to expire this summer, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport. Pellegrini earns a €4 million salary, and few clubs are interested in pursuing him, while the 29-year-old desires to play in a setting where he can feel valued and compete for trophies, making Juve an appealing option given Luciano Spalletti’s respect for him from their previous collaboration.
EXPERT TAKE
Manchester United is aiming to enhance their squad this summer, but will this occur alongside a roster overhaul? ESPN senior writer Mark Ogden notes:
INEOS continues to address the fallout from several unsuccessful transfer windows in which the club overspent on underperforming players—many of whom remain at the club with high salaries. United still owes £422 million in outstanding transfer fees, with £238 million of that amount due by the end of next season, but they are unlikely to recover their investments on players such as Rasmus Højlund (acquired for £64 million), Joshua Zirkzee (£36.5 million), Manuel Ugarte (£50.5 million), André Onana (£43.8 million), and Mason Mount (£55 million).
United is open to offers for all players—Hojlund and Onana are currently on loan at Napoli and Trabzonspor, respectively—while sources indicate there is confidence that Marcus Rashford will find a new club this summer, even if Barcelona decides against finalizing a deal at a pre-agreed fee of £26 million at the conclusion of his season-long loan at Camp Nou.
Jadon Sancho‘s troubled tenure at United—having joined for £73 million from Borussia Dortmund in 2021—will conclude this summer when his contract expires, resulting in a savings of £300,000 per week in wages for United, while defender Tyrell Malacia will also exit as a free agent.
The future of Harry Maguire remains uncertain. The 33-year-old’s contract is set to expire this summer, but he has played a crucial role when fit this season, stabilizing the defense, mentoring younger players, and posing a genuine threat during set pieces.
ESPN sources suggest that a new contract may still be proposed by United, albeit at reduced wages and potentially only for an additional 12 months. While Maguire’s experience is valued by United, sources indicate that the England defender may receive a longer contract and a more lucrative offer elsewhere, meaning any decision regarding his future could hinge on whether he prefers to stay at United or seek greater financial stability at another club.
OTHER RUMORS
play1:37Nicol: Max Dowman is just not normal!
Steve Nicol comments on Max Dowman becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.
– Manchester United is in talks with Barcelona concerning Marcus Rashford, with the £26 million option to make the forward’s loan permanent currently viewed as an obstacle to a deal. (Football Insider)
– Liverpool is considering a potential acquisition of Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, with Los Blancos open to offers exceeding £43 million. (Football Insider)
– Several foreign clubs, particularly from the Premier League, have sought information on AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, who could be available for approximately €70 million. (Nicolo Schira)
– A significant offer has been made by the Saudi Pro League for Internazionale striker Marcus Thuram. (Tuttosport)
– A Juventus scout attended Sassuolo’s 1-0 defeat against Bologna to observe Ismael Kone. (Nicolo Schira)
– Gabriel Martinelli, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ethan Nwaneri all face uncertainty regarding their future with Arsenal. (The Times)
– Brighton is planning to sign Nordsjaelland midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi as a long-term successor for Carlos Baleba amid interest from Manchester United in the Cameroon international. (TEAMtalk)
– Morgan Rogers may seek a move away from Aston Villa if they do not qualify for the Champions League. (Football Insider)
– In light of Premier League interest in Bazoumana Toure, Hoffenheim is demanding a record fee exceeding the €43.5 million they received for Joelinton if the 20-year-old winger is to depart. (Sky Sports Deutschland)
– Monaco is interested in Cercle Brugge left-back Nazinho, and positive discussions have taken place between the parties. (Matteo Moretto)
– Filip Kostic is prepared to leave Juventus as a free agent in January, with Juve not intending to renew the winger’s contract, which expires in June. (Nicolo Schira)
– Goalkeeper Josep Martinez may depart Internazionale in the summer in search of more playing time. (Nicolo Schira)
