Manchester United are set to go all-in on the midfield in the 2026 summer transfer window, and now a youngster from Ajax is on the radar of Ineos.
Ruben Amorim’s system places a heavy emphasis on his midfielders being excellent in multiple departments, which is the main sticking point right now at Manchester United.
As good as Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are on their day, neither have the legs and athleticism to be the two sixes long term at Old Trafford, with this potentially the last season for both.
Casemiro has been excellent in 2025/26 so far, here are his stats after 11 games
United are therefore considering various new midfielders to sign in 2026, with Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba at the top end of this shortlist, each expected to cost over the £100m mark.
But there are also more long-term project signings being considered.
Manchester United interested in signing Jorthy Mokio
United already have 17-year-old Cristian Orozco coming in 2026, but another 17-year-old is now on the shortlist for the Red Devils.
This is Ajax wonderkid Jorthy Mokio, a player widely considered a future world-beating midfielder, and he could be on the move in 2026.
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has reported this in an article for Sky Sports, as he claims Ajax are growing increasingly under pressure in the Mokio situation, with United lying in wait.
Mokio hasn’t been convinced by Ajax’s attempts to tie him down to a new contract, as he isn’t sold on their sporting project and wants to take the next step in his career.
United are claimed to be among the most interested clubs, with Christopher Vivell and the recruitment team following him closely, having identified the Belgian as the perfect profile.
United face interest from Newcastle and Eintracht Frankfurt, which should see the Red Devils in pole position.
Jorthy Mokio is considered one of the best players of his generation
Earlier this season, Mokio was ranked as one of the 60 best players born in 2008 by The Guardian, in which they reported that Mokio has been sought after by Manchester City, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in recent transfer windows.
Mokio is a true wonderkid, having debuted at the age of 16 for Ajax, becoming their second-youngest starter in Eredivisie history following just the great Clarence Seedorf.
At 17, he debuted for Belgium, and all signs indicate that he will be a dominant figure in midfield for the next 15 years, likely alongside Nathan De Cat.
European football writer, Michael Yokhin, hailed Mokio for his qualities in midfield.
“He is elegant on the ball, blessed with vision, superb passing range and a quality shot, but is also a tireless runner and a good tackler. Seen as a central midfielder nowadays at Ajax, he could yet develop in other positions in the future.”
Mokio is also very versatile, playing positions ranging from full-back to midfield, which is a trait Amorim will love.
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