Man Utd have 8 players on transfer shortlist and 4 stars who may leave | Football | Sport
The January transfer window is set to be a fascinating period for Manchester United. In recent weeks, numerous high-profile players from across Europe have been rumoured to be heading to the Theatre of Dreams, while several key first-team members appear to be on their way out.
Historically, United’s mid-season dealings have been a mixed bag. For every game-changing acquisition like Nemanja Vidic or Bruno Fernandes, there’s been an Alexis Sanchez or a Dong Fangzhuo. Ruben Amorim’s squad will be looking to carry their reasonably strong end-of-2025 form into the New Year and make a swift start, as they aim for their first top-four finish in three seasons. Navigating the January transfer window successfully could be crucial – not only in turning United’s season around, but also in determining Amorim’s long-term future at the club.
Here, we examine eight potential arrivals and four possible departures in the coming weeks.
Potential incomings
Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo has been lighting up the pitch at Bournemouth this season, drawing keen interest from United as a potential answer to their lack of width. His ability to take on defenders and deliver lethal finishing has seen his value skyrocket over the past few months, with a release clause making him an enticing mid-season prospect.
However, it seems United have dropped out of the running, with rivals Manchester City reportedly close to securing his signature. A deal could be finalised at the Etihad Stadium this week, meaning United fans may see the Ghanaian star donning blue instead of red this winter.
Adam Wharton
The Crystal Palace midfielder has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most coveted deep-lying playmakers, thanks to his exceptional passing ability and calmness under pressure. Amorim reportedly sees him as the perfect ‘metronome’ to control the pace of his 3-4-3 system and facilitate play from the back.
Securing Wharton won’t be easy or cheap, with Palace likely to demand over £70million for their star player – and potentially significantly more for a mid-season transfer. While there is genuine interest in the player, a January move is seen as difficult, with the Eagles keen to keep their squad together until the summer.
Carlos Baleba
United scouts have been impressed by Carlos Baleba, an energetic, box-to-box midfielder who could replace some of the older legs in the current squad. His ability to disrupt play and drive forward with the ball makes him an ideal fit for the high-pressing demands of United’s midfield.
Brighton are known for their hard bargaining and are likely to demand a fee close to £100m due to his long-term potential, as they did last summer. While United are reportedly keen on the Cameroonian, Brighton’s asking price may deter them, making a transfer this month highly unlikely.
Elliot Anderson
After a standout season at Nottingham Forest, Elliot Anderson has become a top midfield target for several leading clubs. His technical skills in tight situations and tireless work ethic have made him a standout player not only in the Premier League but also in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Forest are reportedly demanding at least £100m for the former Newcastle United player – and aren’t expected to consider a mid-season sale. With strong interest from Manchester City and Chelsea, a move for Anderson seems extremely challenging at this point.
Angelo Stiller
The Stuttgart playmaker has been pinpointed as a refined alternative for United’s midfield, offering high football intelligence and superior ball progression. Having excelled in the Bundesliga and for the German national team, he is regarded as a player poised to make an immediate impact in a top European side.
Stiller reportedly has a release clause of around £34million, which becomes active in 2026. United could view him as a cost-effective alternative to other targets – a consideration that becomes even more significant given injuries and potential departures in their current midfield.
James Garner
In a move that would be both sentimental and strategic, United are reportedly contemplating bringing back their former academy star James Garner from Everton to enhance their squad depth. Garner has evolved into a dependable Premier League player whose energy and tactical discipline could provide a low-risk answer to midfield shortages.
Garner’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, which means the Red Devils could potentially secure a bargain by capitalising on Everton’s unwillingness to let him go for free in the summer.
Conor Gallagher
Ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher has found it difficult to secure a starting spot at Atletico Madrid this season and is reportedly eager for a return to England to secure his place in the 2026 World Cup squad. United are drawn to his ‘engine’ and Premier League experience, viewing him as a player who can instantly boost their intensity in the centre of the pitch.
Atletico are believed to be open to selling him for around £30m, although United may be able to negotiate that price down given Gallagher’s recent lack of game time. It might not be the most glamorous of signings, but Gallagher could turn out to be a savvy acquisition for a United team currently lacking energy and depth in central midfield.
Nathaniel Brown
United have set their sights on Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown as a potential remedy to their persistent left flank issues. The wing-back’s speed and ability to provide breadth in a back-five system make him an ideal fit for Amorim’s tactical strategy.
Despite being a rising star in the Bundesliga, the 22-year-old’s estimated £50m price tag presents a considerable risk given his limited experience at the top level. However, with United in dire need of high-quality wing-backs, Brown could be a gamble worth taking.
Potential departures
Kobbie Mainoo
Once touted as United’s bright future in 2024, Kobbie Mainoo has fallen out of favour with Amorim’s first team plans and appears poised for a January exit. The midfielder is keen for regular game time, especially with the World Cup looming, and is reportedly advocating for a loan move.
Several leading European clubs are believed to be keeping tabs on his situation should a temporary departure be sanctioned. However, with United somewhat lacking in midfield, the club are hesitant to let him leave without first securing a replacement.
A loan move remains probable, but an incoming signing may need to precede any departure.
Tyrell Malacia
Following a challenging spell on the sidelines and a dearth of first-team opportunities, Tyrell Malacia is widely anticipated to part ways with the club this winter to rejuvenate his career.
With his contract due to expire in the summer, United are keen to offload him rather than risk losing him for nothing – and are reportedly open to offers as low as £3m for the Dutchman.
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to find his footing in Manchester, failing to mirror the goalscoring prowess that secured his transfer from Bologna. It’s reported that AS Roma have already tabled a formal loan offer with an obligation to buy, as the player is eager for a return to Serie A.
United are currently considering the offer but may hold off until they have secured a replacement before giving the go-ahead. This move seems highly likely, as all parties appear to be in agreement on a fresh start for the striker.
Manuel Ugarte
Despite only recently joining, there’s growing speculation that Ugarte may not be the ideal fit for the specific midfield profile Amorim wants to cultivate. While he remains a top-tier ball-winner, reports of interest from continental clubs have raised questions about his long-term future at Old Trafford.
United are believed to be open to a sale, but only at the right price. Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray are among the interested clubs and are contemplating a move this month, with a loan plus option to buy offer reportedly being prepared.
