Romano: ‘It’s a possibility’ United could target ‘priceless’ England int’l in loan-to-buy deal in January window

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·9. Oktober 2025

Romano: ‘It’s a possibility’ United could target ‘priceless’ England int’l in loan-to-buy deal in January window

Manchester United could well enter the market for a midfielder in January if an opportunity presents itself.

The Red Devils mulled over a midfield acquisition throughout the summer, with one of their most notable targets being Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.

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United and Carlos Baleba: What happened over the summer?

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Baleba was said to be keen on the move to Old Trafford. However, Brighton’s £100 million+ valuation of the 21-year-old, coupled with the fact they were prioritising another attacking addition, led to United ending their pursuit after holding brief talks with the player.

United eventually secured their forward signing in the form of Benjamin Sesko, leaving them essentially no transfer funds to facilitate the arrival of a top-quality midfielder.

INEOS made late swoop for Conor Gallagher on loan

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Then, in the final week of the window, United tested Atletico Madrid’s resolve with an approach to bring in Conor Gallagher, whom Mauricio Pochettino once hailed as ‘priceless’, on loan.

The La Liga giants were uninterested in sanctioning such a deal, though, and were only willing to do business if it were a permanent transfer that they could recuperate a fee from. Before the Reds made contact, Crystal Palace, Gallagher’s former club, also enquired about signing him on loan.

INEOS chiefs conceded that all areas of the squad could not be reinforced in one single window and moved their attention away from the middle of the park – but they might just be tempted to return in the winter.

“I think it’s a possibility for Man United to go for a new midfielder in January, then in this case it will depend on opportunities,” said Fabrizio Romano on Wednesday evening, via GiveMeSport.

“I don’t think the January window, not just for Man United but in general, is about big, big names moving. Unless there’s an opportunity for a big name, I think that has to be the window of a loan deal or a last-minute chance on the market.

“For example, Man United tried for Connor Gallagher in the final days of the summer transfer window, so that kind of opportunity, in case he becomes available or any other player with that kind of skill set becomes available on a good deal, maybe with a loan with option to buy for Man United, might be interesting. But at the moment, we’re not in that direction yet.”