Full Breakdown
Manchester United Pursues Third Midfield Signing Amid Multiple Targets
7/23/2026, 8:00:24 PM
Core Event: United’s Ongoing Search for a Third Midfielder
Manchester United are evaluating several midfield options as they look to add a third central midfielder before the summer transfer window closes. The club has already secured Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea for a combined £85 million. Current targets include Roma’s Manu Kone, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. No club-to-club contact has been confirmed for Kone or Baleba, and United have not yet submitted a formal bid.
Background & Context
United’s midfield overhaul follows a season in which the team finished as Champions League holders but identified a need for greater depth. Tielemans and Santos were signed to reinforce the engine room alongside academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo. The 2026 World Cup raised the profile of two additional candidates: Kone, who started every match for France until their semi-final loss to Spain, and Baleba, whose form dipped after a strong 2024-25 campaign with Brighton. Alex Scott rejected a new contract with Bournemouth and is being courted by United, Arsenal and other Premier League clubs.
Data & Statistics
- Tielemans and Santos: £85 million total fee.
- Reported valuation for Kone: £61 million (L’Equipe); alternative rumor of €85-90 million (unverified).
- Santos’ purchase price from Chelsea: £50 million (benchmark).
- Baleba’s Brighton valuation: in excess of £100 million; United consider a £60 million range acceptable (Sportsmole, 23 July 2026).
- Ages: Kone 25, Baleba 22, Scott 22.
Official Statements & Responses
- Sources in France told Sky Sports that United have an “agreement in principle” with Kone and his representatives, though no official club-to-club negotiations have begun.
- Sky Sports reported United have “made movement” in revisiting a potential deal for Baleba, but confirmed no direct contact with Brighton and that a compromise on valuation would be required.
- Manchester United’s recruitment staff are described as “not in a rush” to finalize either signing, preferring to assess the full list of targets while also monitoring other areas of the squad.
- Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia and Atletico Madrid are also reported to be monitoring Kone, potentially complicating United’s pursuit.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Fee expectations for Kone differ: L’Equipe cites £61 million, while other outlets have circulated an €85-90 million figure. Fabrizio Romano (via GiveMeSport) rejected the higher estimate, stating the price would be “much lower.” No definitive fee has been disclosed by Roma.
- Baleba’s valuation is reported as “over £100 million” by Brighton, yet United view a £60 million offer as attractive. The exact amount United are prepared to spend remains unspecified.
- No concrete bids or formal negotiations have been confirmed for any of the three targets, leaving the final outcome uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He (Kone) has been excellent for France,” — Glen Johnson
What’s Next
United must determine how much they can allocate to a defensive midfielder before the deadline. Sources indicate the club will wait to clarify the exact player and budget before proceeding with formal offers. The interest from Al-Ahli and other European clubs suggests any bid for Kone will need to be competitive, while Baleba’s high valuation may require United to negotiate a reduced fee or explore alternative targets. Alex Scott is expected to decide on his future within the next fortnight, according to his representatives.
