Manchester United are now focusing their attention on Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni as a potential third midfield signing this summer, following the acquisitions of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. The shift in focus comes after United’s pursuit of other targets, including Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, and Ederson, proved unsuccessful.
A £38 million agreement for Ederson with Atalanta collapsed when the Brazilian failed a medical, prompting the club to quickly secure deals for Santos for £48 million plus £2 million in add-ons, and Tielemans for £35 million after activating his release clause. Tielemans underwent a medical at Carrington on Tuesday and is expected to be formally announced as a United player imminently.
Despite initially being linked with players like Manu Kone, Adam Wharton, and Alex Scott, INEOS are reportedly prepared to make a £70 million offer for either Tchouameni or Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. According to sources close to the club, including Laurie Whitwell and David Ornstein, the pursuit of Kone is over, with Whitwell stating that he is “not on Manchester United’s shortlist.”
Wharton’s trail has also gone cold, with Crystal Palace reportedly demanding a substantial fee, while interest in Baleba may be revisited closer to the transfer deadline. United previously agreed personal terms with Baleba last summer, but were deterred by Brighton’s £100 million valuation, which has since dropped to £70 million. The club reportedly admired Baleba’s performances in the Premier League during the 2024-25 season.
Ornstein indicated on The Athletic FC Podcast that United are seeking a “premium midfielder” to further strengthen the team and that they have a “clear vision” for the profile of their next signing – someone with significant energy and ground coverage. Interestingly, a source in Madrid has indicated to Andy Mitten that despite Tchouameni recently signing a new contract, a sale is not entirely off the table, stating, “They could still sell him.”
Liverpool are also monitoring some of United’s targets, potentially creating competition for Baleba and Kone, but United’s current focus appears to be on securing either Tchouameni or Baleba to complete their midfield overhaul.
