Report: Man United reveal stance on move to sign £100m midfielder | OneFootball

Man United’s Midfield Hunt Takes a New Turn as Amorim Rethinks Baleba Move

Manchester United’s pursuit of a new midfielder looks set to define their January window, but it appears Carlos Baleba’s name may no longer top Ruben Amorim’s shortlist. Despite confirmation from two respected sources that the Brighton midfielder “wants to sign” for United, the Seagulls’ stubborn £100m-plus valuation has prompted the Red Devils to explore other avenues, as reported by TeamTalk.

Baleba’s Interest Meets United’s Hesitation

TeamTalk’s report confirmed that both David Ornstein and Ben Jacobs have stated Baleba is keen on the move to Old Trafford. Ornstein told Planet Football, “Carlos Baleba. They want him, he wants them. Brighton don’t want to let him go, but we will see what the future holds, because they need to upgrade in that number six department, Ruben Amorim wants to, and that could help complete their rebuild.”

Jacobs added on talkSPORT, “With Carlos Baleba, we know nothing is expected to happen mid-season. Brighton have never quoted a number. [The] player wants the move.”

Photo IMAGO

That desire, however, might not be enough to make it happen. Sources close to the club indicate that Amorim, while initially enthusiastic about Baleba, has since cooled on the idea. His frustration stems from Brighton’s firm stance and Baleba’s inconsistent form this season, particularly noted in United’s 4-2 win over the Seagulls where he struggled to impose himself.

Amorim’s Shift in Transfer Priorities

As TeamTalk reports, Amorim is determined to strengthen the midfield in 2026, with United planning to bring in two new midfielders across the year. Yet the excessive price tag on Baleba’s head has pushed the Portuguese manager to look at more attainable options.

Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest is now viewed as United’s leading target. The 21-year-old England international’s work rate and ability to dominate transitions have impressed United scouts, with an estimated £70m deal seen as possible. Amorim is said to admire Anderson’s versatility, describing him privately as “the kind of midfielder who can lead a press and create a counter.”

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Wolves’ Joao Gomes are also on the club’s radar. Wharton’s composure in possession and Gomes’ combative style both align with the energetic, high-pressing football Amorim has been trying to instil at Old Trafford.

Patience May Prove Crucial

While United’s ambition to reshape their midfield is clear, January might not offer the flexibility they need. TeamTalk suggests that all three of Amorim’s new targets are unlikely to be available mid-season, meaning the real activity may not happen until summer.

Still, the signs of forward planning are encouraging. The club’s recruitment department has been restructured under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS leadership, and this calculated patience hints at a more sustainable transfer model. The next few months will show whether Amorim’s evolving strategy brings the control and dynamism United’s midfield has lacked in recent years.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For many Manchester United fans, this feels like cautious progress rather than another false dawn. Ruben Amorim has steadied the ship after a turbulent few years, and the idea of him being selective rather than reactive in the transfer market is a refreshing shift.

Baleba might be a top talent, but paying Brighton another record fee after their £115m Moisés Caicedo deal to Chelsea would stretch credibility. Anderson, Wharton, and Gomes represent sensible alternatives—young, hungry, and Premier League-proven. Supporters will hope Amorim can land at least one of them by the summer.

The idea of Anderson in particular excites fans who crave a player capable of covering ground like peak Darren Fletcher, yet with a technical ceiling closer to Mason Mount’s. Wharton, meanwhile, looks a natural fit for Amorim’s structured build-up play, while Gomes has the kind of bite that has been missing since Casemiro’s decline.

If United can execute these moves cleanly, Amorim’s rebuild could truly take shape. It might not be fireworks in January, but the long game could finally deliver a midfield capable of challenging City and Arsenal again.