Manchester United are now stepping up the hunt to sign a new midfielder this summer and there are believed to be 10 options.
After a deal for Manuel Ugarte proved to be too expensive for the Red Devils, there are now thought to be several options being considered.
Midfield is a priority position for Manchester United and it’s not a shock to see Ineos throwing efforts into strengthening here.
Erik ten Hag seems to want something very specific from his midfielder addition this summer.
So below we have considered the 10 options currently being linked, with a verdict and grade given to each based on suitability and price tag.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Joao Gomes – £38m
Joao Gomes is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League when it comes to tackling, however other than that we don’t think he offers enough on the ball to justify a £38m price tag. Not a deal we’d be mad about but there are better options on the table.
Grade – C
Youssouf Fofana – £30m
Probably one of the best value-for-money options at the moment is Youssouf Fofana with an asking price of just £30m. The Frenchman has some excellent qualities and is very well-rounded as a midfielder which could be of huge benefit to United.
Grade – B
Richard Rios – £17m
Copa America’s standout player Richard Rios is a very good budget option in midfield with reports suggesting United were ready to bid £17m. Rios however isn’t the best player on this list and it is hard to imagine him in the starting line up if he arrived, that being said, he is a solid choice to bolster the ranks.
Grade – C
Ederson – £34m
Europa League winner Ederson is coming off an excellent season with Atalanta, signified by his £34m price tag. He certainly fits the bill of what United need from a midfielder and at this price, we think he would be an excellent pick-up for United.
Grade – B
Adrien Rabiot – Free
Adrien Rabiot has been linked with United for years, but this summer he is available for free and that gives him an edge over every other name on this list. Assuming the wages are not crazy, United would be silly not not get him on a year or two contract as he is a top talent.
Grade – B
Martin Zubimendi – £51m
One of the most expensive names on this list, but Martin Zubimendi might also be the best option here. For those who watched the Euro 2024 final, he was a shining light after replacing Rodri. His £51m release clause is expensive but potentially worth every penny.
Grade – A
Sofyan Amrabat – £13m
We already know all about Sofyan Amrabat and toward the end of his loan last season he was pretty impressive, meanwhile his asking price dropped significantly to just £13m. It seems like United are keeping Amrabat as a backup option this summer, but we would not mind him coming back if it was alongside another addition.
Grade – C
Andre – £30m
Andre is a real talent in midfield and is cheaper than some other top options on the list at £30m, but United are believed to have reservations. He would be an exciting addition, but it’s a move we don’t expect United to make.
Grade – B
Sander Berge – £30m
Sander Berge as an option is excellent, however, he is the kind of player we would be looking at as a bargain, but with Burnley’s valuation that is no longer the case amid a £30m asking price. If United can get it down to closer to £20m, it is definitely a deal worth doing.
Grade – B
Edson Alvarez – £40m
West Ham’s Edson Alvarez is a strong defensive midfielder, however in many ways, he would not be an upgrade on Casemiro and for £40m, he is not representing value for money. The option we would be least keen to see.
Grade – D
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