Manchester United weigh transfer options

Editorial take on Manchester United's transfer planning amid links to Hjulmand and Agoume.

Man United identify £26m Baleba transfer alternative as concerns raised over target

Manchester United are weighing a cheaper route as they assess midfield options. With Morten Hjulmand’s reported release clause around £69 million, United fear paying that price could block their plans to pursue Carlos Baleba from Brighton next summer. Reports say United are turning their attention to Lucien Agoume, who is tied to Sevilla with a £35 million release clause and could be pried away for around £26 million if the Spanish club accepts a lower bid. The Manchester Evening News and Sport Witness flag that other Premier League clubs are also circling Agoume, making the window a delicate balance of cost control and competition for a midfielder who can contribute at once.

The strategy signals a careful balance between immediate midfield depth and long-term planning. If United secure Agoume this window, Baleba could still be pursued in 2026, preserving headroom for a bigger, longer-term signing while meeting current squad needs. Such a plan suggests patience over impulse and a willingness to let the market shape the path forward.

Manchester United’s approach mirrors a broader shift in top clubs: manage risk in a crowded market. Valuations are high and the window is busy, so a cheaper interim option can buy time for a bigger future signing. But the risk is real: if Agoume fails to deliver, or if Baleba’s price or availability shifts, the club could face a push to scramble for alternatives. The decision will test the club’s leadership on how much long-term strategy matters when fans want visible improvement this season.

Highlights

The outcome of the next few weeks could redefine United’s path for the season and beyond.