BREAKING NEWS: New Man United January transfer target after disappointing back to back draw confirmed as INEOS releases £550M for biggest spending in Club history
The January transfer window is shaping up to be an intriguing one for Manchester United. Over the past weeks and months, several high-profile stars have been linked with moves to the Theatre of Dreams, while a number of established squad members look to be nearing the exit door.
Historically, United’s mid-season transfers have been hit and miss. For every game-changing arrival like Nemanja Vidic or Bruno Fernandes, there has been an Alexis Sanchez or a Dong Fangzhuo.
Ruben Amorim’s squad will aim to carry their relatively strong end-of-2025 momentum into the New Year and start the campaign strongly, as the club pursues its first top-four finish in three seasons. Navigating the January window successfully could be crucial – not just for turning United’s season into a memorable one, but also in cementing Amorim’s long-term position at the club.
Here, Mirror Football is delving into United’s transfer January plans, looking at eight players who could join and four who might leave in the coming weeks.
Potential arrivals:
Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo has been in sensational form at Bournemouth this season, attracting serious interest from United as a potential solution to their lack of width and firepower up top. His ability to take on defenders and finish clinically has boosted his profile significantly in recent months, with a release clause making him an appealing mid-season target.
However, United seem to have slipped behind in the race, with rivals Manchester City closing in on his signature. Reports suggest a deal at the Etihad Stadium could be completed this week, meaning United supporters might see the Ghanaian in blue rather than red this winter.
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth during the
Crystal Palace’s midfielder has become one of the Premier League’s most wanted deep-lying playmakers due to his outstanding passing and calmness under pressure. Amorim reportedly sees him as the perfect ‘metronome’ to control the tempo of his 3-4-3 system and facilitate transitions from the defensive third.
Signing Wharton will not be cheap, with Palace expected to demand at least £70million for their star – and possibly much more to sanction a mid-season transfer. While United’s interest is genuine, a January deal is considered difficult, as the Eagles aim to retain their squad until summer.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace waves during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Crystal Palace
Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba has impressed United scouts as a high-energy, all-action midfielder capable of rejuvenating the current squad. His capacity to break up play and surge forward with the ball fits perfectly with the high-pressing requirements of modern United football.
Brighton are known as tough negotiators and are likely to insist on a fee close to £100m given his long-term promise, as they did in the summer. While United are said to be eager to secure the Cameroonian, Brighton’s valuation may make a move this month unlikely.
Carlos Baleba
Elliot Anderson
After a breakthrough season at Nottingham Forest, Elliot Anderson has become a top midfield target for several leading clubs. His technical skill in tight areas and tireless work rate make him stand out in both the Premier League and Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Forest are reportedly seeking at least £100m for the former Newcastle United player and are unlikely to consider a mid-season sale. Coupled with strong interest from Manchester City and Chelsea, a January move appears highly challenging.
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest plays during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City
Stuttgart’s playmaker has been identified as a refined alternative for United’s midfield, offering exceptional football intelligence and advanced ball progression. Excelling in the Bundesliga and for Germany, he is viewed as ready to step straight into a top European club.
Stiller reportedly has a release clause around £34million, effective in 2026. United could see him as a cost-efficient option compared with other targets – a consideration made even more relevant given injuries and possible departures in their midfield.
James Garner
James Garner in action
In what would be both a sentimental and strategic acquisition, United are reportedly exploring a return for former academy graduate James Garner from Everton to strengthen squad depth. Garner has developed into a dependable Premier League performer, whose energy and tactical awareness would offer a low-risk midfield solution.
Garner’s contract runs until the end of the season, allowing the Red Devils to potentially secure him at a reduced cost if Everton are unwilling to lose him for free in the summer.
Conor Gallagher
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has struggled for playing time at Atletico Madrid this season and is reportedly eager to return to England to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad. United value his ‘engine’ and Premier League experience, seeing him as an immediate boost to midfield intensity.
Atletico are understood to be willing to consider a sale at around £30m, though United may be able to negotiate a lower price given Gallagher’s limited appearances this term. It may not be a headline-grabbing move, but Gallagher could be a clever addition for a United side short on energy and depth in central midfield.
Conor Gallagher
Eintracht Frankfurt wing-back Nathaniel Brown has come onto United’s radar as a solution for their ongoing left-sided issues. His pace and ability to offer width in a back-five make him a highly tactical fit for Amorim’s system.
As an emerging Bundesliga talent, the 22-year-old could cost around £50m, representing a high-risk option given his lack of top-level experience. Still, with United in need of elite wing-backs, Brown could be a gamble worth pursuing.
Potential departures:
Kobbie Mainoo
Although hailed as one of United’s brightest prospects in 2024, Kobbie Mainoo has dropped out of Amorim’s first-team plans and is expected to leave in January. The midfielder wants regular playing time, especially with the World Cup approaching, and is reportedly pushing for a loan.
Several top European clubs are monitoring his situation should a temporary move be approved. However, with United short in midfield, the club are hesitant to allow him to leave without first finding a replacement. A loan appears likely, but an incoming signing may need to come first.
Tyrell Malacia
Following a difficult spell on the sidelines and limited first-team opportunities, Tyrell Malacia is widely expected to depart this winter to restart his career.
With his contract expiring in summer, United are keen to sell rather than lose him for free – and are reportedly open to bids as low as £3m for the Dutchman.
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to replicate the goal-scoring form that prompted his move from Bologna. Reports indicate AS Roma have made a formal loan proposal with an obligation to buy, as the striker is keen to return to Serie A.
United are reviewing the offer but may wait until a replacement is secured before approving the move. This transfer looks highly likely, with all parties aligned on a fresh start.
Despite his recent arrival, speculation suggests Ugarte may not fit the specific midfield style Amorim wants. While still a top-class ball-winner, interest from other European clubs has raised questions over his long-term future at Old Trafford.
United are open to selling, but only for the right fee. Turkish giants Galatasaray are among the interested clubs and are reportedly preparing a loan-plus-option-to-buy bid this month.
