Manchester United’s summer rebuild gathers real momentum
Things are finally starting to move at Old Trafford. Manchester United, finding their feet under interim manager Michael Carrick and closing in on Champions League football for 2026-27, are showing some serious intent in the transfer market. With Casemiro leaving on a free and Manuel Ugarte likely to follow, the midfield needs a total overhaul. Right now, three names have moved past the agent talk stage and look like genuine targets: Carlos Baleba, Ederson Dos Santos, and Julian Ryerson.
1. Carlos Baleba is the closest thing to a done deal
Fabrizio Romano confirmed on YouTube that United still have a deal in place for the Brighton midfielder, with the verbal agreement from 2025 still on the table for 2026. Brighton stood in the way twice, last August and again in January, but they seem ready to let him go now, and United are getting an offer ready.
The 23-year-old Cameroonian brings the kind of athleticism and pressing that would help Kobbie Mainoo perfectly. The main concern is his consistency; he’s only finished 90 minutes three times in the league this season, and his form has been up and down. Brighton aren’t likely to budge for anything under £70 million, despite some talk of a £50 million price tag.
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2. Ederson
Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder, Ederson Dos Santos, is an incredibly interesting option. His contract in Italy runs out next summer, so Atalanta will likely sell now rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2027. More importantly, Jason Wilcox is a huge fan of the 26-year-old, and his SciSports rating of 106.3 would actually make him the fourth-best player in the current United squad.
Atalanta want about €50 million, and United have already reached out to his camp. He’s got the defensive brains and the box-to-box engine that United lack. But the competition is stiff. Atletico Madrid have already agreed personal terms with him, and Arsenal are watching closely. United need to get this over the line quickly.
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3. Julian Ryerson
According to Fussball Daten, United are already preparing an opening bid for Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson. The 28-year-old Norwegian is a versatile defender who has racked up 16 assists in 39 games this season, mostly playing right-back but often pushing up like a winger. His numbers in the final third are elite, even if he can be a bit of a liability when left one-on-one at the back. He’s exactly the type of profile Manchester United need on that right side, and Dortmund are willing to do business.
