Manchester United have set out clear summer priorities as several high-profile transfer stories develop across Europe. The club want to make around four signings, with two central midfielders their top targets to cover the likely departure of Casemiro.
United targets and squad planning
United’s midfield shortlist includes Sandro Tonali (Newcastle), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Carlos Baleba (Brighton) and Alex Scott (Bournemouth). Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is a named priority, but United may face competition from other top clubs, with Bayern Munich and Manchester City both linked to the 23‑year‑old England international.
Beyond midfield, United are monitoring the future of Harry Maguire; if he leaves they want a left‑footed centre‑back. They may also recruit a backup goalkeeper if Altay Bayindir departs.
The Leon Goretzka situation
Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, who will be available on a free transfer this summer, has attracted interest from a number of European clubs. Earlier reports linked him with AC Milan, Inter and Arsenal, and La Gazzetta dello Sport now says Juventus have made him their top target. Juventus have tried to sign the 31‑year‑old Germany international twice before and are preparing a renewed bid under coach Luciano Spalletti.
Confirmed and progressing moves elsewhere
Barcelona hope to keep João Cancelo permanently if they can sign him on a free, and reports suggest the full‑back would consider a pay cut to remain at Barça. Juventus are increasingly confident of landing AS Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini on a free transfer when his contract expires; his reported €4m salary and desire for a central role make Juve an attractive destination.
Financial and squad context (Mark Ogden)
INEOS are working to repair the fallout from expensive, ineffective windows. United still have roughly £422m in outstanding transfer payments, with about £238m due by the end of next season. Several recent big signings are unlikely to recoup their fees, including Rasmus Højlund (£64m), Joshua Zirkzee (£36.5m), Manuel Ugarte (£50.5m), André Onana (£43.8m) and Mason Mount (£55m).
United are expected to be open to offers for a number of players. Højlund and Onana are currently on loan at Napoli and Trabzonspor respectively. Sources express confidence Marcus Rashford will depart this summer even if Barcelona do not exercise their pre‑agreed £26m option. Jadon Sancho will leave when his contract expires, saving the club around £300,000 per week, and Tyrell Malacia will also depart as a free agent. Harry Maguire’s future is unresolved: United may offer a short‑term, reduced‑wage deal, but he could prefer a longer, better‑paid contract elsewhere.
Other transfer rumours to note
– United and Barcelona remain in talks over Marcus Rashford; the £26m option fee is a key sticking point.
– Liverpool have been linked with Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga; Madrid are reportedly open to offers above £43m.
– AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has attracted foreign interest and could command around €70m.
– Inter reportedly received a significant Saudi Pro League offer for Marcus Thuram.
– Juventus scouted Sassuolo’s Ismael Kone during their 1‑0 loss to Bologna.
– Arsenal face uncertainty over Gabriel Martinelli, Myles Lewis‑Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.
– Brighton are said to be planning a move for Nordsjaelland’s Caleb Yirenkyi as a long‑term replacement for Carlos Baleba amid United interest in Baleba.
– Morgan Rogers could leave Aston Villa if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
– Hoffenheim are demanding a record fee above €43.5m for 20‑year‑old winger Bazoumana Toure amid Premier League interest.
– Monaco have held positive talks over Cercle Brugge left‑back Nazinho.
– Filip Kostic is expected to leave Juventus as a free agent this summer, with no contract renewal planned.
– Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez may depart in search of more playing time.
These situations remain fluid: clubs are preparing moves, weighing budgets and negotiating contracts, so further developments are expected as the summer window approaches. Stay tuned for updates as the market unfolds.
