Mansion Sports – Manchester United have reportedly determined the current valuation of one of their long-term midfield targets, a player identified as a potential successor to Casemiro.

Manager Ruben Amorim is seeking to strengthen the center of the pitch after deeming the position a key weakness in his squad, and the club have compiled a shortlist of six candidates for the January transfer window.

Major Spending Efforts Following a Disappointing 2024–2025 Season

United invested heavily in the previous transfer market after enduring a difficult 2024–2025 campaign in which they failed to win a single trophy and finished 15th in the Premier League.
Amorim has focused on revitalizing the attack after underwhelming seasons from Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Højlund.

In response, the club signed several attacking reinforcements, including Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig, Matheus Cunha from Wolves, and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.

They also addressed the goalkeeping position by replacing André Onana with Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.

Another area Amorim is determined to strengthen is central midfield. His initial interest was in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, but the £115 million ($153 million) valuation was deemed excessive.

This season, Amorim has deployed captain Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role alongside Casemiro, while Cunha, Mbeumo, or Mason Mount have operated in dual No. 10 positions behind lone striker Šeško.

However, the Portuguese coach remains intent on acquiring a dedicated defensive midfielder to provide greater protection for the back line.

Joao Gomes Emerges as a More Affordable Option

While United continue to monitor Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, they have also renewed interest in long-standing target Joao Gomes, currently with Wolves.

The Premier League side first identified Gomes as a long-term replacement for Casemiro in 2024, when his value stood at £40 million ($51 million). Negotiations stalled, and then-manager Erik ten Hag opted to bring in Manuel Ugarte instead.

According to Record, Gomes is open to leaving in January amid Wolves’ struggles on the pitch and could be available for around £44 million ($58 million/€50 million).

United view Gomes as a more economical alternative to Anderson or Baleba and may submit a formal offer once the window opens.

Louis Saha Voices Support for Carlos Baleba

Earlier this month, former United striker Louis Saha encouraged the club to pursue Baleba, arguing that the Brighton midfielder could provide a level of influence similar to Rodri at Manchester City.

Speaking to OLBG, Saha stated: 

“Fabinho was incredibly strong for Liverpool, and Rodri likewise for Man City. When you have a midfielder who is physically dominant and excels in transition while providing stability, that is a top-level player, and there are very few who can truly dictate the midfield in such a way. We have heard of discussions with Brighton for Carlos Baleba, who came very close to joining, and I really appreciate his style. Everyone can see the gap and the need for power and tempo control. At times, United play too safely and slow the rhythm, and that does not help the forwards, so improvement is necessary.”

Additional Midfield Options Under United’s Consideration

United’s recruitment team are also tracking several other midfield profiles ahead of January. Former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is viewed as a short-term solution if he becomes available on loan, particularly as he seeks consistent playing time to secure a place in England’s World Cup squad.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is another name on the list, though he recently signed a new contract at Selhurst Park.

Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller, a deeper-lying playmaker with an established Bundesliga record, is also being monitored.

United did not submit a bid in the summer, but Stiller is reportedly open to a Premier League move, and his £35 million ($46 million) release clause makes him an attainable option.