Key Takeaways:
- Manchester United have prioritised the signing of a new midfielder for the next transfer window, following significant investment in attacking options earlier this summer
- Carlos Baleba, Conor Gallagher, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Angelo Stiller, and Andrey Santos have all emerged as candidates on the club’s six-man shortlist
- Reports indicate that United may be preparing to pursue two new midfield signings rather than just one
United’s Transfer Focus Shifts to Midfield Reinforcement
Manchester United are reportedly shifting their attention to midfield reinforcements for the upcoming transfer window, following substantial spending to overhaul the squad’s attacking options over the summer. Manager Ruben Amorim is keen to bolster the centre of the park and the club have outlined a shortlist of six potential targets.
🚨 JUST IN: Manchester United are open to adding two new midfielders in 2026, shortlist is:
– Carlos Baleba
– Elliot Anderson
– Adam Wharton
– Conor Gallagher
– Angelo Stiller
– Andrey Santos[@alex_crook, @JacobsBen] pic.twitter.com/3wKgr7lGGL
— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) October 23, 2025
Who Features on United’s Shortlist?
The six-man list features several high-profile candidates from across Europe’s top leagues. Previously monitored by the club, Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Conor Gallagher have remained in the Champions’ sights. Brighton are reported to be asking £100 million for Baleba, while United’s late-window loan approach for English international Gallagher was firmly rejected by Atlético Madrid.
Emerging English midfield talent is also in focus, with Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest both attracting the interest of Amorim and his staff.
Angelo Stiller, who currently plies his trade at Stuttgart, has been tracked by United for an extended period, amid reports of the midfielder’s ambition to play in the Premier League.
Completing the list is the potentially surprising inclusion of Chelsea’s Andrey Santos. Despite being just 21 years old, the Brazilian has increasingly become a fixture in Enzo Maresca’s squad, making a move to Old Trafford appear an unlikely proposition at this stage.
Outlook: Two Midfielders Could Arrive at Old Trafford
According to some reports, Manchester United’s recruitment drive may not stop at just one signing, as the club considers reinforcing their midfield with two new arrivals in the coming transfer window. Whether any of the six-man shortlist will make the move to Old Trafford remains to be seen as negotiations and valuations take centre stage over the summer.
