Manchester United’s Midfield Reinforcement Imminent: Baleba and Gallagher Top the Target List
Last season, Premier League giants Manchester United endured a disappointing campaign — finishing 14th in the league and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, thus completely missing out on European competitions. Determined to rebuild, United focused their summer transfer efforts on strengthening their attacking options, spending €230 million to sign forwards Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, along with goalkeeper Koen Casteels, in hopes of reviving their competitive edge.
Inconsistent Start Highlights Midfield Weakness
Despite these reinforcements, United’s start to the new season has been inconsistent. With 3 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, they currently sit 10th in the table. Although recent performances have improved, their lack of midfield control has become increasingly evident.
In coach Rúben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, the midfield pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, while experienced, are both over 30 and no longer possess the mobility, range, and tempo required to dominate top Premier League midfields. As a result, United often struggle to maintain possession and build coherent attacks.
To address this, United’s next transfer priority is strengthening their midfield. According to reputable journalist Ben Jacobs, the club has identified two main targets: Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher. Regardless of whether Amorim remains as manager, United are determined to push forward with these transfer plans, possibly as early as the January window.
Carlos Baleba: The “Cameroonian Caicedo” Bound for Old Trafford?
At just 21 years old, Carlos Baleba has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most promising defensive midfielders. A product of Lille’s academy, he broke into the first team in the 2022–23 season before joining Brighton for €27 million in 2023 as a replacement for Moisés Caicedo.
Baleba combines strength, speed, and endurance, standing 1.83m tall and weighing 77kg. A left-footed midfielder, he excels in tough tackling and interceptions but also boasts solid dribbling and ball control, making him capable of progressing play through midfield — earning comparisons to Caicedo.
Last season, Baleba made 40 appearances for Brighton across all competitions, including 37 starts, contributing 4 goals and 2 assists. In the Premier League, he averaged 2.29 tackles, 1.38 interceptions, and 1.29 clearances per game, with a pass completion rate of 88%. Currently valued at €40 million on Transfermarkt, Baleba is under contract with Brighton until 2028 and earns a modest £12,000 per week.
In fact, United already made an approach for Baleba last summer, but Brighton demanded £100 million (€116 million) — a fee the club couldn’t meet after exhausting most of their budget and failing to offload players like Rashford, Højlund, and Sancho.
If United’s midfield struggles persist through the winter, the club may be prepared to pay whatever it takes to bring Baleba to Old Trafford — a move that would undoubtedly make headlines across Europe.
Conor Gallagher: A Premier League Return to Strengthen United’s Core?
United’s secondary target is 25-year-old Conor Gallagher, a Chelsea academy product who broke into the Blues’ first team in the 2022–23 season. Over two years, he made 95 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists.
A quintessential English box-to-box midfielder, Gallagher is known for his stamina, energy, and late runs into the box, though his technical finesse and decision-making can be inconsistent. A right-footed player, he primarily operates as a central or defensive midfielder.
In the summer of 2024, Chelsea sold Gallagher to Atlético Madrid for €42 million to balance their finances. However, in La Liga’s more technical, possession-oriented style, he has struggled to secure a starting role. To date, he has made 60 appearances for Atlético, including 32 starts, contributing 5 goals and 6 assists.
Given Gallagher’s proven Premier League experience, United see him as a realistic option. According to Mundo Deportivo, Atlético are open to selling him in January for €60 million (£52.4 million).
Mundo Deportivo further reports that United’s top priority remains the younger and more dynamic Baleba, but if that deal proves impossible, they will shift their focus fully to Gallagher.
Summary
Manchester United’s midfield rebuild is a matter of urgency. The club’s hierarchy is ready to act decisively this winter, with Baleba and Gallagher leading the shortlist. Whether they can secure one of these targets could determine the trajectory of their season — and perhaps the future of Amorim’s project at Old Trafford.
