Manchester United announce signing, assess midfield targets, and face Tchouameni setback
Manchester United has confirmed the signing of Cristian Orozco from Colombian side Fortaleza CEIF. The 18-year-old midfielder is expected to join the club’s academy before potentially moving to the first team. This marks one of five new additions to the squad, with 12 players having departed the club.
In other transfer news, Marcus Rashford appears likely to be reintegrated into the Manchester United first-team under Michael Carrick. Speculation about his future persists, but the likelihood of Barcelona exercising their option to buy the forward is reportedly decreasing.
The club is also reportedly seeking another midfielder and a left-back. Among the potential left-back targets is Newcastle United full-back Lewis Hall. Reports suggest United considers Hall an “ideal player” to strengthen their squad, but Newcastle is reportedly unwilling to sell him, making a transfer complicated. Hall made 46 appearances for Newcastle last season, scoring once. An alternative option for the left-back position could be Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, who is also reportedly being monitored by Liverpool and Manchester City.
Midfield Reinforcements and Setbacks
Manchester United is reportedly targeting a third midfield signing this summer. According to reporter Ben Jacobs, the three “most viable” targets are Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Fulham’s Sander Berge, and AFC Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams. However, Baleba has sustained an ankle ligament injury, which could sideline him for the start of the 2026-27 campaign, potentially taking him off United’s radar.
Regarding Tyler Adams, Bournemouth would reportedly consider selling him if they receive a fee around £50 million. Adams is said to be open to a move to Manchester United. Sander Berge remains a possibility for the club.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni could be impacted by Real Madrid’s interest in Manchester City midfielder Rodri. If Rodri were to move to Barcelona, Real Madrid would likely retain Tchouameni, affecting United’s chances of signing the France international.
Another midfield target, AS Roma’s Manu Kone, may not be pursued by United. Reports indicate that there isn’t uniform agreement within the club to sign him, with Michael Carrick potentially preferring players with Premier League experience or a profile similar to Tchouameni.
Other Transfer Interests
Juventus has reportedly intensified their efforts to sign Joshua Zirkzee, with a preliminary loan deal without an obligation to buy reportedly agreed. Manchester United has also agreed to discuss a loan arrangement for Zirkzee. Juventus is said to be seeking a “free loan” deal, covering the player’s wages but avoiding an obligatory transfer fee.
United is also considering meeting Bologna’s £21.7 million asking price for centre-back Jhon Lucumi. Lucumi, who turned 28 in June, has less than 12 months remaining on his contract with the Serie A side. Additionally, Manchester United has reportedly taken “concrete steps” in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain’s Ibrahim Mbaye, an 18-year-old who has made 41 senior appearances for his club, scoring four goals.
Scouts from Manchester United and Arsenal were present to watch Kaua Elias score a hat-trick for Shakhtar Donetsk in their 5-1 victory against Kudrivka. Elias is reportedly valued at around £30 million by Shakhtar, with AC Milan and Porto also showing interest. Furthermore, Racing Santander has indicated that Jorge Salinas, a 19-year-old defender, will only be sold if his £13.7 million release clause is met.
Regarding player contracts, Manchester United players must play at least 60 percent of the minutes from the previous season to activate a Champions League bonus in their contracts.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
