Centre Midfielder Transfer Links

Anderson(£100m), Fernandes(£40m) and someone experienced like Goretzka on a free.

If we can convince Anderson to come, this is doable financially and leaves us with an excellent midfield for now and probably an even better one in the future. Add a left back and another attacking option and I'd consider that an amazing summer. Basically exactly what we need.
 
sp_cgb said:
Anderson(£100m), Fernandes(£40m) and someone experienced like Goretzka on a free.

If we can convince Anderson to come, this is doable financially and leaves us with an excellent midfield for now and probably an even better one in the future. Add a left back and another attacking option and I'd consider that an amazing summer. Basically exactly what we need.
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Only way it would work is £80m plus £20m addons because sounds like that is highest flat fee
 
Are we not linked to Bruno Guimaraes? He could be a good option
 
Alemar said:
Are we not linked to Bruno Guimaraes? He could be a good option
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Good option, but probably passed on because of age. Same goes for Neves. Goretzka is doable because he's a free transfer but he'd be a late option for me.

Wondering if Adams is a real option. Mentioned earlier but injury concerns are probably hindering a real interest. He'd be a cheaper option than Baleba, plus more consistent, but I would be slightly disappointed unless Baleba's price was exorbitant.
 
Alemar said:
Are we not linked to Bruno Guimaraes? He could be a good option
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There was talk that Casemiro had recommended him to the club, however shortly after the usual suspects poured cold water due to combo of age and cost
 
Ex-liverpool Tyler Morton is worth a shout to be that third midfield signing if mateus or hackney fails.
 
DannyCAFC said:
Question is would somebody like Hackney even want to join United if he's gonna be designated 4th choice as he'll no doubt have other PL offers on the table with more regular game time.

Realistically there's gonna be very few players that are attainable in the summer as an upgrade on Ugarte that would be willing to play ~30% of all available minutes. Best bet is probably to keep hold of him as insurance and try and bleed one of the U-21's into the squad next season and hope they can unseat him in the pecking order.
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You wonder if Ipswich might go back in for him now they are in the PL.
 
4 scenarios I'd be happy with with:

Scanerio 1 - Anderson (£110m) + Baleba (£60m)

A dead cert combined with a higher risk but very high reward profile. With this option we probably dont have budget for a third CM signing, but Anderson is pretty reliable and I would be okay given he is as close toa. sure thing as there is on the market. Baleba is a risk, but alongside someone stable like Anderson I could see him thriving. He also works alongside both Kobbie and Anderson nicely.

Scenario 2 - Tchouameni (£85m) + Mateus Fernandes or Alex Scott (£50-60m) + Promising prospect (£20-40m)

I really like this option, maybe even more than the 1st scenario. I've been a big fan of Tchouameni and wanted him when he went Madrid and I think he would be arguable the best Kobbie partner out of any of the options I have listed. At the right price, we'd have room to add Fernandes or Scott to compete with and push for Kobbie's place, with the long-term view that post-Bruno they would work alongside Mainoo in more of a 433. That hopefully could leave us with a bit of budget to sign a third CM and I would be willing to take a bit of a gamble on a top prospect outside of the league. Any of Boauddi, De Cat, Sangare, Vasilije Kostov would be interesting options.

Scenario 3 - Guimaraes (£75m) + Baleba (£60m) + Promising prospect (£20-40m)

This is maybe the least likely option due to Guimaraes' age and Newcastle unlikely to want him to go if Tonali is leaving. That said, I'd be very excited by this as I've always been so jealous of Newcastle for having Guimaraes as he's a cracking player that combines workrate and aggression needed in the modern day with top-level skill and playmaking ability. Given he is more in the Kobbie mould, I would look to add Baleba as a more defensive CM option, rather than Fernandes or Scott who would be overkill in that type of role. Again, that should leave room for a prospect signing, similar to scenario 2.

Scenario 4 - Mateus Fernandes or Alex Scott (£50-60m) + Baleba (£60m) + Joao Gomes (£35m)

If a more experienced, bigger budget signing isn't available then adding top 3 younger, league proven signings could be an option. Fernandes or Scott + Baleba, with Joao Gomes as a slightly more experienced option could be a decent balance. This is definitely the lease exciting and for me would move the needle the least immediately, but longer-term could be fruitful as all the players have their primes ahead of them.
 
At this stage, without getting into the Mainoo debates (about his profile, attributes, hos flaws for now...etc), we are 90% certain that the DM coming in has to best accomodate Mainoo and Bruno. So, with that in mind, he has to have strong defensive attributes, athlecticism, press ressistence, good height and heading (bonus), and decent enough passing ability.

Tchuoameni is best candidate and even with good age range and experience. Whether he comes or not that is another matter all together. Him with M, Fernandes or Baleba is good. If not then, i think we have to take a bit risk with inexperience and go with Baleba with M, Fernandes or Alex Scott. Tonali, Bruno G, Anderson are not looking viable because of age and price...etc. The 3rd CM can be anyone of the left field in PL or outside.
 
daba said:
4 scenarios I'd be happy with with:

Scanerio 1 - Anderson (£110m) + Baleba (£60m)

A dead cert combined with a higher risk but very high reward profile. With this option we probably dont have budget for a third CM signing, but Anderson is pretty reliable and I would be okay given he is as close toa. sure thing as there is on the market. Baleba is a risk, but alongside someone stable like Anderson I could see him thriving. He also works alongside both Kobbie and Anderson nicely.

Scenario 2 - Tchouameni (£85m) + Mateus Fernandes or Alex Scott (£50-60m) + Promising prospect (£20-40m)

I really like this option, maybe even more than the 1st scenario. I've been a big fan of Tchouameni and wanted him when he went Madrid and I think he would be arguable the best Kobbie partner out of any of the options I have listed. At the right price, we'd have room to add Fernandes or Scott to compete with and push for Kobbie's place, with the long-term view that post-Bruno they would work alongside Mainoo in more of a 433. That hopefully could leave us with a bit of budget to sign a third CM and I would be willing to take a bit of a gamble on a top prospect outside of the league. Any of Boauddi, De Cat, Sangare, Vasilije Kostov would be interesting options.

Scenario 3 - Guimaraes (£75m) + Baleba (£60m) + Promising prospect (£20-40m)

This is maybe the least likely option due to Guimaraes' age and Newcastle unlikely to want him to go if Tonali is leaving. That said, I'd be very excited by this as I've always been so jealous of Newcastle for having Guimaraes as he's a cracking player that combines workrate and aggression needed in the modern day with top-level skill and playmaking ability. Given he is more in the Kobbie mould, I would look to add Baleba as a more defensive CM option, rather than Fernandes or Scott who would be overkill in that type of role. Again, that should leave room for a prospect signing, similar to scenario 2.

Scenario 4 - Mateus Fernandes or Alex Scott (£50-60m) + Baleba (£60m) + Joao Gomes (£35m)

If a more experienced, bigger budget signing isn't available then adding top 3 younger, league proven signings could be an option. Fernandes or Scott + Baleba, with Joao Gomes as a slightly more experienced option could be a decent balance. This is definitely the lease exciting and for me would move the needle the least immediately, but longer-term could be fruitful as all the players have their primes ahead of them.
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Scenario 2 is definitely my favoured option, however there needs to be a lot of moving parts for him to leave Real
 
Ideally we need a starter CDM, backup CDM and CM who has the passing ability to find forward players. The problem is I can't see how you manage to get all that for £150m

So something like

Starter - Tchouameni
Backup - Baleba
CM with passing - Scott

I like Fernandes, however just wonder does he have the defensive ability to step in for a Tchouameni/Baleba as CDM when they need a rest
 
I feel like getting Wharton, Scott and one of Baleba/Fernandes is realistic and would improve our squad
 
Dolf said:
I feel like getting Wharton, Scott and one of Baleba/Fernandes is realistic and would improve our squad
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How much do you reckon it would take, also do you not think that trio lacks a second CDM to Baleba
 
croadyman said:
Ideally we need a starter CDM, backup CDM and CM who has the passing ability to find forward players. The problem is I can't see how you manage to get all that for £150m

So something like

Starter - Tchouameni
Backup - Baleba
CM with passing - Scott

I like Fernandes, however just wonder does he have the defensive ability to step in for a Tchouameni/Baleba as CDM when they need a rest
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funny you mention that as i had the same impression until i actually looked up his defensive stats and work rate

Based on the 2025/2026 season for West Ham, Mateus Fernandes has displayed high-volume defensive work in midfield. Key stats include 93 total tackles, 33 interceptions, and 167 recoveries over 2,754 minutes. He is ranked among top players for final third possessions won, frequently contributing to defensive pressure and making key recovery runs
 
croadyman said:
How much do you reckon it would take, also do you not think that trio lacks a second CDM to Baleba
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Probably almost our entire budget. Also, we just need so much depth in midfield because we basically only have Mainoo and Fernandes as serious options, and there aren’t any world class midfielders for sale at the moment.
 
bosskeano said:
funny you mention that as i had the same impression until i actually looked up his defensive stats and work rate

Based on the 2025/2026 season for West Ham, Mateus Fernandes has displayed high-volume defensive work in midfield. Key stats include 93 total tackles, 33 interceptions, and 167 recoveries over 2,754 minutes. He is ranked among top players for final third possessions won, frequently contributing to defensive pressure and making key recovery runs
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Hmm interesting, thanks for that information
 
Dolf said:
Probably almost our entire budget. Also, we just need so much depth in midfield because we basically only have Mainoo and Fernandes as serious options, and there aren’t any world class midfielders for sale at the moment.
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That's why I wouldn't be against picking up Goretzka on a free (yes I know he's someone who divides opinion but could be like when we signed Eriksen). The other free agent although sounds like he will end up going to Villa is Wilson.
 
Hoping for:
- 1 DM w strong aerial ability either Tchouameni, Anderson or Stach in that order &
- another playmaker type who can pass & dictate play, perhaps 1 of Fernandes, Asilani or Villa's Kamara
- bonus if we can bag another midfielder who can drive w the ball say one from Scott, Baleba or Hackney
 
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daba said:
Any of Boauddi, De Cat, Sangare, Vasilije Kostov would be interesting options.
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Decent post overall.

The few things I would take issue with are that:
- I don't think Kostov is near ready from the PL. Think he'd still get eaten alive physically.
- I don't think Sangare is technically sound enough on the ball for United.
- Joao Gomes should not be under consideration for United under any options or circumstances.
 
croadyman said:
I like Fernandes, however just wonder does he have the defensive ability to step in for a Tchouameni/Baleba as CDM when they need a rest
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bosskeano said:
Based on the 2025/2026 season for West Ham, Mateus Fernandes has displayed high-volume defensive work in midfield. Key stats include 93 total tackles, 33 interceptions, and 167 recoveries over 2,754 minutes. He is ranked among top players for final third possessions won, frequently contributing to defensive pressure and making key recovery runs
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Fernandes is quite good at ball winning, e.g. ground duels, tackles, ball recoveries.

However, his box defending is not that good currently - e.g. blocks, clearances, defensive headers etc.

He could develop in to an adequate stand-in 6 in the future, but for the time being I don't think he's quite there yet. For games against average to strong opponents I would not want him in that role right now.

Having said that, at least in games against weaker opposition, say in cup competitions or European minnows, I think he probably offers enough defensively to be able to partner Mainoo occasionally. This is at least a marginal improvement over e.g. Wharton, who I wouldn't trust to partner Mainoo in basically any circumstances for fear of them being over-run.
 
sideshow_bob said:
Hoping for:
- 1 DM w strong aerial ability either Tchouameni, Anderson or Stach in that order &
- another playmaker type who can pass & dictate play, perhaps 1 of Fernandes, Asilani or Villa's Kamara
- bonus if we can bag another midfielder who can drive w the ball say one from Scott, Baleba or Hackney
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Feel we need backup CDM and either a playmaker or box to box midfielder. I think it's risky having only one DM in whole squad which is the case when Casemiro and Ugarte leave
 
croadyman said:
Feel we need backup CDM and either a playmaker or box to box midfielder. I think it's risky having only one DM in whole squad which is the case when Casemiro and Ugarte leave
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Fernandes plays the CDM role for West Ham as Soucek plays more like the 8 when they have the ball
 
We need two cdms and one cm, £150m to fix the midfield with three midfield signings is very unrealistic, what are we buying relegated players? Id rather buy two midfielders for £100m each, preferably Wharton and Anderson. We shouldn't be cheap and skimp on this summers midfield rebuild.
 
Red_Orchestra said:
We need two cdms and one cm, £150m to fix the midfield with three midfield signings is very unrealistic, what are we buying relegated players? Id rather buy two midfielders for £100m each, preferably Wharton and Anderson. We shouldn't be cheap and skimp on this summers midfield rebuild.
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Mainoo is nailed on as a starter next season whether anyone likes it or not. We’re not spending a second large fee on a replacement, nor would Wharton come to United to sit behind him.
 
Berggy20913 said:
Mainoo is nailed on as a starter next season whether anyone likes it or not. We’re not spending a second large fee on a replacement, nor would Wharton come to United to sit behind him.
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You're right, we should expect one major signing, meaning £100m signing with mainoo starting next to him. If thats the case, they better get this £100m midfield signing right. We have to build it around mainoo, who would complement mainoo the most needs to be precise. I think tonali would work the best with mainoo.
 
I see there is talk about Ederson from Atalanta.
Fabrizio states he is not a main target but we are monitoring the situation and I would say he must be decent if Atletico are interested in him.
I can't say I have seen him play as Serie A would put me to sleep so I wondered if people think he could be successful in the Premier League?
 
What about Kees Smit from Alkmaar? After the Antony transfer I really wanted to stay away from players from the Dutch league, but damn — Smit looks promising. Apparently he can play in all central midfield roles (6, 8, 10), and if he keeps developing like this, maybe he could even replace Bruno one day. I’m not sure how realistic a transfer would be, though. Fernandes (€75M), Baleba (€75M), Smit (€60M) seems a bit too exepensive overall.
 
ericcovicc said:
What about Kees Smit from Alkmaar? After the Antony transfer I really wanted to stay away from players from the Dutch league, but damn — Smit looks promising. Apparently he can play in all central midfield roles (6, 8, 10), and if he keeps developing like this, maybe he could even replace Bruno one day. I’m not sure how realistic a transfer would be, though. Fernandes (€75M), Baleba (€75M), Smit (€60M) seems a bit too exepensive overall.
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Kees Smit is a real talent, but he ain't there yet. He isn't dominating the Dutch league (yet), so he's far off being a starter somewhere else. So he surely is not ready to be an option for Utd I guess.
 
Red_Orchestra said:
You're right, we should expect one major signing, meaning £100m signing with mainoo starting next to him. If thats the case, they better get this £100m midfield signing right. We have to build it around mainoo, who would complement mainoo the most needs to be precise. I think tonali would work the best with mainoo.
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It’s not even really building it around Mainoo in the same sense as you would build around a 10 like Bruno or a dominant striker. It’s more about balance in finding a pairing with different strengths who complement each other on and off the ball. The teams were aspiring to compete against usually get these big signings in midfield right and as you said we have to do the same. It’s Tonali or Anderson for me that would work best with Mainoo but I’m not optimistic on either.
 
croadyman said:
That's why I wouldn't be against picking up Goretzka on a free (yes I know he's someone who divides opinion but could be like when we signed Eriksen). The other free agent although sounds like he will end up going to Villa is Wilson.
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Haven’t read anything about that but if that’s realistic then we should definitely do it.
 
Dolf said:
Haven’t read anything about that but if that’s realistic then we should definitely do it.
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Reckon it's definitely realistic, might be something we look at as opportunity at end of window
 
Nice goal from Manzambi tonight.



I'd love to get one of the real high potential young midfielders as our 3rd signing. Manzambi's pushing himself near the top of that list.
 
Wondering how early other teams will make their moves. Big pieces are Man City for Anderson and RM for Rodri/Enzo. That sets the table for us I think. Possible we try push Tchoua early to fund RM's move but I don't think they sell until they get their man (or coach).

Does everyone wait until after WC? Is there an advantage to move early? I know I'd rather see early transfers than late because late smacks of bad planning.
 
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