Centre Midfielder Transfer Links

[goldenboy]

Seen some vague, maybe not credible links to Exequiel Palacios. His profile of a strong ball winner, with fantastic passing range, looks good. Though his injury record is another awful one - has typically missed 2 months per season, this year he's missed half the year before his most recent return (since which he seems to have been playing very well, in fairness).

Playing wise he'd tick most boxes aside from aerial ability. But with his injury record and at 27 he may not fit Ineos' risk profile.

 

[golden_blunder]

Seen some vague, maybe not credible links to Exequiel Palacios. His profile of a strong ball winner, with fantastic passing range, looks good. Though his injury record is another awful one - has typically missed 2 months per season, this year he's missed half the year before his most recent return (since which he seems to have been playing very well, in fairness).

Playing wise he'd tick most boxes aside from aerial ability. But with his injury record and at 27 he may not fit Ineos' risk profile.

Plus his age, he must be about 50 by now. He was good at Wigan but that was a while ago

 

[Desert Eagle]

Plus his age, he must be about 50 by now. He was good at Wigan but that was a while ago

Different Palacios. This is an Argentine, the one you're thinking of Wilson Palacios is a Honduran.

 

[golden_blunder]

Different Palacios. This is an Argentine, the one you're thinking of Wilson Palacios is a Honduran.

 

[WirralRed]

More talk today of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, haven’t saw much from but hear good things, only 18 though so guessing not signing to be first choice straight away if he comes.

 

[Trigg]

In the Athletic article that Whitwell wrote, he says Fletcher or Thwaites will be promoted. They were mentioned by name. That was repeated in the podcast.

Excerpt from Laurie Whitewell article - Aprill 23rd 2026
Top of the list for United is midfield, with two new signings in that position expected to arrive. Their skill sets will need to complement each other, as well as Kobbie Mainoo, who is finalising a new contract. United hope one midfielder can also be promoted from the academy. Tyler Fletcher, 19, and Jim Thwaites, 18, have been around the first team recently.

Again. Hope.

 

[dinostar77]

Excerpt from Laurie Whitewell article - Aprill 23rd 2026
Top of the list for United is midfield, with two new signings in that position expected to arrive. Their skill sets will need to complement each other, as well as Kobbie Mainoo, who is finalising a new contract. United hope one midfielder can also be promoted from the academy. Tyler Fletcher, 19, and Jim Thwaites, 18, have been around the first team recently.

Again. Hope.

 

[croadyman]

Feels like a lot of expectation on them which is worrying

 

[Bondi77]

St Mirren straight to Premier League
Does anybody actually believe this shite!

 

[Trigg]

The Sun. The bastion of football journalism.

I’m not saying it’s not going to happen. I just objected to you saying Whitwell said it WAS happening.

 

[dinostar77]

The Sun. The bastion of football journalism.

I’m not saying it’s not going to happen. I just objected to you saying Whitwell said it WAS happening.

What's so terrible about homegrown players being promoted to support the first team and continue their football education and development? This is Manchester United. It's what they do and are famous for.

Any signing the club makes, they "hope" will be successful

Any player who's promoted to the first team, they "hope" will be successful.

At the start of the season. We all "hope" the team has a successful season.

Don't get bogged down in semanics of a single word. Life is too short.

 

[lysglimt]

St Mirren straight to Premier League
Does anybody actually believe this shite!

Well - if we think logically - we have a thin squad, and if we remove the players who are almost 100% certain to leave next season, we are left with less than 16-17 established outfield players in our squad.

We will probably sign 4-5 players, but that is still a fairly thin squad if we do well in the cups. We will need 4-5 youngsters to make up the numbers to let the more established players rest in some cup-games. I am not saying Devaney will play in the Premier League. But they could certainly start in some domestic cup games or the odd C.L game

Amass should go on loan another season as we have good cover in defence and him getting 30-40 matches in the Championship will help his development more than playing 8-10 games for us as a sub.

At least two of Devaney, Thwaites, and the Fletcher-twins should stay at the club while 1-2 of the other should go on loan. Devaney looks the player closest to the first team based on his performances in Scotland.

 

[Zico1982]

I read yesterday that we are still very much in for Sporting captain Morten Hjulmand who is also being closely followed by Juventus, Atletico and City. He is a leader, a shithouse and a really good player with a great mentality. He is not though a playmaker and not very vertical in his play. He is more of a (much better) Ugarte kind of player. If we are looking through the Portugal league we should really go for Portos Viktor Froholdt instead. He is very young with a marathon engine, a relentless presser and he wants to score goals. He is expensive though set at 85 mio. I think he will be one of the next midfield superstars.

 

[Bondi77]

Well - if we think logically - we have a thin squad, and if we remove the players who are almost 100% certain to leave next season, we are left with less than 16-17 established outfield players in our squad.

We will probably sign 4-5 players, but that is still a fairly thin squad if we do well in the cups. We will need 4-5 youngsters to make up the numbers to let the more established players rest in some cup-games. I am not saying Devaney will play in the Premier League. But they could certainly start in some domestic cup games or the odd C.L game

Amass should go on loan another season as we have good cover in defence and him getting 30-40 matches in the Championship will help his development more than playing 8-10 games for us as a sub.

At least two of Devaney, Thwaites, and the Fletcher-twins should stay at the club while 1-2 of the other should go on loan. Devaney looks the player closest to the first team based on his performances in Scotland.

I think even though Collyer has been riddled with injuries this season he will still be in front of Devaney or Fletcher bros come preseason.
From what I have seen of Thwaites (and that is not much) he may have the technique if it transforms into the men's game to come in to the equation next season but it is an unknown at this point in time.

 

[Trigg]

What's so terrible about homegrown players being promoted to support the first team and continue their football education and development? This is Manchester United. It's what they do and are famous for.

Any signing the club makes, they "hope" will be successful

Any player who's promoted to the first team, they "hope" will be successful.

At the start of the season. We all "hope" the team has a successful season.

Don't get bogged down in semanics of a single word. Life is too short.

You’ve missed the point entirely. But ok.

 

[golden_blunder]

What's so terrible about homegrown players being promoted to support the first team and continue their football education and development? This is Manchester United. It's what they do and are famous for.

Any signing the club makes, they "hope" will be successful

Any player who's promoted to the first team, they "hope" will be successful.

At the start of the season. We all "hope" the team has a successful season.

Don't get bogged down in semanics of a single word. Life is too short.

Unlike your post

 

[Lash]

I think even though Collyer has been riddled with injuries this season he will still be in front of Devaney or Fletcher bros come preseason.
From what I have seen of Thwaites (and that is not much) he may have the technique if it transforms into the men's game to come in to the equation next season but it is an unknown at this point in time.

Collyer needs regular football at his age, or he just won't make it. Devaney at his age could benefit from being in and around the first team for a season, with a smattering of appearances.

 

[jesperjaap]

More talk today of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, haven’t saw much from but hear good things, only 18 though so guessing not signing to be first choice straight away if he comes.

What I have seen of him he looks a good player already at 18, different but I think Mainoo role suits him best but he would add cover to the DM spot as well. He or Gomes for the probable prices would be very good second midfield signings the only downside would be thinking Thwaites also suit the Mainoo role and we do need 2 x DM in my opinion as we literally only have Kone if Casimiro and Ugarte both depart. Ideally Baleba, Bouaddi and Gomes would be the three for me both in terms of total costs within a budget, what we need now and long term..adding in the couploe of youngsters we have to that midfield, think it would look very exciting over the nexxt few seasons

 

[dinostar77]

Unlike your post

 

[aeh1991]

I don't get why we aren't more linked with players like Nathan De Cat (17) or Kennet Eichhorn (16). De Cat's contract is ending 2027, so he shouldn't be too expensive. And Eichhorn apparently has a release clause for 5-10m euros. Both are labeled wonderkids and even with the sentiments towards our own youth team players such as Thwaites, these guys are already further in their developments and would be great 3rd CM options alongside one big money signing and a backup (like J.Gomes).

 

[golden_blunder]

I don't get why we aren't more linked with players like Nathan De Cat (17) or Kennet Eichhorn (16). De Cat's contract is ending 2027, so he shouldn't be too expensive. And Eichhorn apparently has a release clause for 5-10m euros. Both are labeled wonderkids and even with the sentiments towards our own youth team players such as Thwaites, these guys are already further in their developments and would be great 3rd CM options alongside one big money signing and a backup (like J.Gomes).

AI answer

Premier League teams generally cannot sign players under the age of 18 from European clubs. Post-Brexit regulations (since Jan 2021) and FIFA rules prohibit international transfers of minors, restricting English clubs from signing overseas players until they turn 18, closing the previous EU loophole that allowed 16-17 year old to move

Brexit. The gift that keeps on giving

 

[LukeTheRed]

I think we should be taking a look at Stach from Leeds.

Every time I’ve watched Leeds he has been the standout player. Big & strong also has an eye for goal.

I think he’d be a good Casemiro replacement

 

[golden_blunder]

I think we should be taking a look at Stach from Leeds.

Every time I’ve watched Leeds he has been the standout player. Big & strong also has an eye for goal.

I think he’d be a good Casemiro replacement

He’s a good player. Always impressed by him. Bit of an outside the box punt. Wonder how much it would take, 40m?

 

[caid]

I don't get why we aren't more linked with players like Nathan De Cat (17) or Kennet Eichhorn (16). De Cat's contract is ending 2027, so he shouldn't be too expensive. And Eichhorn apparently has a release clause for 5-10m euros. Both are labeled wonderkids and even with the sentiments towards our own youth team players such as Thwaites, these guys are already further in their developments and would be great 3rd CM options alongside one big money signing and a backup (like J.Gomes).

I presume if we target players like that we'll try and keep it under the radar.
Were there rumours about Heaven and Chido Obi before they joined?

 

[Lash]

I think we should be taking a look at Stach from Leeds.

Every time I’ve watched Leeds he has been the standout player. Big & strong also has an eye for goal.

I think he’d be a good Casemiro replacement

I really like him, reminds me of a more attacking and mobile Matic.

 

[goldenboy]

I think we should be taking a look at Stach from Leeds.

Every time I’ve watched Leeds he has been the standout player. Big & strong also has an eye for goal.

I think he’d be a good Casemiro replacement

As I posted the other time this was mentioned - just cut out the middle-man and sign Wouter Burger. His stats are basically identical to Stach's the season before he left Hoffenheim for Leeds, but Burger is 2 years younger.

 

[goldenboy]

great 3rd CM options alongside one big money signing and a backup (like J.Gomes).

The fact that you saw fit to add J Gomes in there (shudder) almost makes me reconsider how decent a prospect De Cat might be if you're rating him as well...

Premier League teams generally cannot sign players under the age of 18 from European clubs. Post-Brexit regulations (since Jan 2021) and FIFA rules prohibit international transfers of minors, restricting English clubs from signing overseas players until they turn 18, closing the previous EU loophole that allowed 16-17 year old to move

De Cat will turn 18 in the summer transfer window. Eichhorn can already be bought by United and left on loan at Hertha for one more season, or moved to Lausanne next season.

 

[FrankDrebin]

Be interesting to see if any top clubs make a move for Damsgaard this summer. I think he's warranted interest with his form in the last couple of years.

 

[Dempsey19]

Any La Liga experts have an input on Javi Guerra from Valencia? Seen some bullshit links months ago but because of them I then saw alot of outlets hyping him up.

 

[croadyman]

Be interesting to see if any top clubs make a move for Damsgaard this suumer. I think he's warranted interest with his form in the last couple of years.

Wonder how much Brentford would want for him

 

[IrwinwasbetterthanCarlos]

I think even though Collyer has been riddled with injuries this season he will still be in front of Devaney or Fletcher bros come preseason.
From what I have seen of Thwaites (and that is not much) he may have the technique if it transforms into the men's game to come in to the equation next season but it is an unknown at this point in time.

I think Collyer will be sold. He’s not good enough; he looks like a bottom half Premier League/top half Championship player.

As for having a youngster as a 4th midfielder, I’m fine with it, but I think we’ll have to accept the domestic cups will be very low on the priority list and it’ll be a full second string in both. We’ve cut squad numbers aggressively, which is good, there was a lot of fat to cut, but we won’t have the depth to be competitive across 60 games next season. Something will have to give somewhere.

 

[BarryWinks]

For the Brentford lads, I’ve been very impressed by Jensen too. I think good age if we are bringing in Baleba as our first midfielder. We would need some decent PL experience in there somewhere, and I think he offers that, good defensively and great passing range.

Obviously not gonna happen but if we were looking at a premier league option he’s one I’d consider for the mix of age, likely cost and experience. Damsgaard although exciting plays better at the tip of a midfield triangle.

 

[BarryWinks]

What’s happening with our midfield development within the academy. Asides Mainoo who has his own limitations I have not been impressed with any of our young midfielders since Garner.

We’ve seen Hannibal, Zidane, Collyer, Forson etc come up with much hype and amounted to nothing. The best of them is going back down to the championship this season. And it doesn’t look to be getting much better as the twins don’t look very good personally, and Kone is all hype at the moment, like we saw with most of the ones before him.


Is this dearth in CM talent peculiar to us alone or are we seeing it across the other top academies in the country?

 

[dinostar77]

What’s happening with our midfield development within the academy. Asides Mainoo who has his own limitations I have not been impressed with any of our young midfielders since Garner.

We’ve seen Hannibal, Zidane, Collyer, Forson etc come up with much hype and amounted to nothing. The best of them is going back down to the championship this season. And it doesn’t look to be getting much better as the twins don’t look very good personally, and Kone is all hype at the moment, like we saw with most of the ones before him.


Is this dearth in CM talent peculiar to us alone or are we seeing it across the other top academies in the country?

Thwaites is highly regarded. A no10 who has been moved further back and is developing into a no6 who dictates play. Also apparently a very good free kick taker.

 

[Bondi77]

I think Collyer will be sold. He’s not good enough; he looks like a bottom half Premier League/top half Championship player.

As for having a youngster as a 4th midfielder, I’m fine with it, but I think we’ll have to accept the domestic cups will be very low on the priority list and it’ll be a full second string in both. We’ve cut squad numbers aggressively, which is good, there was a lot of fat to cut, but we won’t have the depth to be competitive across 60 games next season. Something will have to give somewhere.

Not sure how you base the assessment on Collyer as he has been riddled with injuries all season and it is his first loan period.
In his time with the first team he showed he has more than adequate physicality to deal with the Premier League and I was hoping the loan would bring out his passing game and just play regularly but that has not happened due to his injuries.

 

[Marwood]

What’s happening with our midfield development within the academy. Asides Mainoo who has his own limitations I have not been impressed with any of our young midfielders since Garner.

We’ve seen Hannibal, Zidane, Collyer, Forson etc come up with much hype and amounted to nothing. The best of them is going back down to the championship this season. And it doesn’t look to be getting much better as the twins don’t look very good personally, and Kone is all hype at the moment, like we saw with most of the ones before him.


Is this dearth in CM talent peculiar to us alone or are we seeing it across the other top academies in the country?

CM isn't a place for young players generally. They'd have to be trulyexceptional(Mainoo).

Look around the league, how many teams have young CM's from their academies playing?

Even United over the years, we've nearly always bought in CM talent. How many have been from the academy over the last 30 years? Four maybe? Scholes, Fletcher, Butt and now Mainoo.

And the first two didn't come into the team as CM's. Scholes was 21 or 22 before he really settled a starting CM.

This isn't an academy problem, it's just how it is for that position. Same goes for No.9's and goalkeepers. You need experience in these roles before you can make that step up to a big club.

 

[goldenboy]

Any La Liga experts have an input on Javi Guerra from Valencia? Seen some bullshit links months ago but because of them I then saw alot of outlets hyping him up.

His stats are really not that good. Pepelu at Valencia seems more the sort of profile United need, though I've not watched much of him.

Not sure how you base the assessment on Collyer as he has been riddled with injuries all season and it is his first loan period.

It has not only been due to his injuries - even when fit he wasn't used much and didn't really show much either. He doesn't seem likely to make it at United.

 

[goldenboy]

What’s happening with our midfield development within the academy. Asides Mainoo who has his own limitations I have not been impressed with any of our young midfielders since Garner.

Thwaites is highly regarded. A no10 who has been moved further back and is developing into a no6 who dictates play. Also apparently a very good free kick taker.

Kobbie Mainoo captained England's youth teams at numerous youth levels. James Garner also captained England at u17 level and had regular call-ups up until the u21s.

Thwaites hasn't had a single England youth call-up. Jack Fletcher has some caps.

United took the Fletchers from City, but maybe City have been taking some from, or ahead of, United in recent years? e.g. Max Mallem.

 

[goldenboy]

Seems like you've watched some of Nordsjaelland this season - how does Yirenkyi compare to 19 year-old Justin Janssen of the same team?

Using data analysis, Janssen came up as one of the best young 6es outside the Big 5 leagues, while Yirenkyi's profile got filtered out for that role. The overall quality/impact of their stats look fairly similar, but Janssen seems to have better ball-winning and deep-lying playmaking, while Yirenkyi seems to be more of a dribbler and '8' type who plays on the front foot. Correct, or?

Thanks for the deep dive on him. I think his progressive passing is still low because he has played quite a few games at right sided 8, where his dribbling from deep is more useful. Whenever he has played as a 6, he has impressed with his passing from deep. It's definitely an area he can improve, but I think he has shown enough with his displays to show that if instructed, he can fulfil that role and more. I don't think he will ever be a metronome like a Zubimendi but his dynanism makes him an exciting option in that area. He does lack with his aerial ability, but he has a decent leap and is tall enough, so I'm quite surprised.

I think Siltanen is an exciting prospect but probably needs a step to Germany, Portugal etc before the EPL whereas I think Yirenkyi would cope well just based on his athleticism and physicality.

Further to this, I watched Nordsjaelland vs Brondby on Friday to see how Janssen and Yirenkyi were developing.

I was a tad disappointed by Janssen - he looked too slow on the ball, and his first touch was a bit loose at times. He would get caught in possession too often at the moment in the PL. He was good defensively mind, and seemed a bit of a brick wall. But he'll need to tighten up a lot on the ball for the highest leve. A move to a lower Bundesliga club would probably make sense for him.

Yirenkyi was playing LCB in a back 3 for some reason. He had a decent enough game and seems fairly decent all0round, but I'm not convinced he's a future United player. He seems very one-footed, and generally seems to lack much in the way of any kind of x-factor. He seems more someone a newly promoted side, or a West Ham, might pick up at the moment.

I've actually been most impressed by Siltanen when watching Djugardens' first two games of the season. His technique and passing really seems top-notch. Off the ball he might get dribbled passed a bit too easily perhaps right now, as although he's not the slowest he doesn't have much in the way of reach. But he's strong. He reminds me a lot in his general build, play and demeanour of eg Joao Neves and Mateus Fernandes, and if they could cope physically then he should eventually as well. I do think he could play in the PL already, though I'm not sure there'd be room for him at United - they probably would still need all 3 CM signings to be a tad more ready. I reckon he could go to a Brighton, Brentford or Bournemouth though.

 

[Zed is not dead]

What happened to the links to Amadou Onana? I remember he was a Caf must sign player last season