Manchester United are actively scouring the market for a third midfield signing after finalising the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Fabrizio Romano has assured the Old Trafford faithful that United’s pursuit of midfielders is ‘not over yet’.
Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans become first signings under Michael Carrick
The Reds have shelled out an upfront £83 million to seal deals for Santos and Tielemans, with the latter posing as an incredibly straightforward move thanks to the £35m release clause in his Aston Villa contract.
Sensational from Youri Tielemans 🤯
An absolute rocket to give Aston Villa the lead in the Europa League final 🚀
📺 TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/zOZAIDXLKg
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 20, 2026
As for the Brazilian, Chelsea weren’t looking to sell Santos this summer, but did open the door to his exit due to the player’s desire to secure increased game time elsewhere.
While neither is perhaps viewed as the kind of marquee signing fans have been anticipating, it says something that INEOS have been able to bring both in for such modest fees when Elliot Anderson was costing £115m and Mateus Fernandes, £85m.
What other midfielders are on United’s shortlist?
In the meantime, it remains to be seen where the owners will turn their attention next.
Their longstanding interest in Carlos Baleba has continued into this summer, although his fluctuating form throughout 2025/2026 has seemingly made INEOS more sceptical about meeting Brighton and Hove Albion’s costly demands.
Fabian Hurzeler admits Manchester United links could be affecting Carlos Baleba pic.twitter.com/k5E56S8Jhn
— BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) September 20, 2025
In recent days, links to AS Roma’s Manu Kone have gained momentum, presumably because of his stellar World Cup performances with France.
The Serie A outfit are said to value Kone at £43m, though any concrete talks with the 25-year-old himself will have to wait until his international duties have concluded.
He is poised to be in action this evening when Les Bleus take on Spain in their semi-final clash at 8pm.
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