BREAKING NEWS: INEOS Confirms New January Transfer Targets as £624 Million Is Freed Up for the Biggest Squad Overhaul in Manchester United History — Four Players Leaving for AFCON Sparks Urgent Midfield Search
Manchester United are preparing for one of their most aggressive January transfer windows ever after identifying a new list of midfield targets.
With four players set to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations and the club suffering from a lack of depth, INEOS has reportedly authorised access to another portion of their massive £624 million restructuring fund to support emergency rebuilding efforts.
After spending more than £200 million last summer to bring in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, Senne Lammens, and Diego Leon, the expectation was that United would finally stabilise.
However, the team’s early-season form mirrored the previous campaign, which saw them finish a disappointing 15th in the Premier League.
Despite that rocky start, a five-game unbeaten run under Ruben Amorim has lifted the Red Devils to seventh place — just four points behind rivals Manchester City.
Even so, many fans, analysts, and former players believe that INEOS made one critical mistake in the summer: failing to sign a midfielder. That oversight now appears even more costly with the AFCON departures looming in January.
United tried to address the midfield issue in the summer by pursuing Conor Gallagher, reportedly making a loan bid for the Atletico Madrid midfielder. Although that move collapsed, interest has not disappeared.
Now, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United have placed six midfielders on a priority shortlist for the January window. Those players are:
Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid) – viewed as a realistic target
Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart) – considered high priority
Carlos Baleba (Brighton) – described as a dream signing
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) – labelled an emerging possibility
Andrey Santos (Chelsea) – viewed as a cheaper alternative
Elliot Anderson (Newcastle) – identified as a long-term option
Reports suggest that United view this midfield upgrade as “urgent,” with INEOS fully aware that the current squad lacks stamina, rotation depth, and the ability to compete at the highest level throughout the season.
The club is reportedly willing to secure one or two new midfielders who can make an immediate impact. However, they will proceed carefully, only acting if the right opportunities arise. INEOS do not intend to panic-buy, despite growing pressure.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano recently issued an update on United’s chances of landing Gallagher or Stiller. He explained that Gallagher remains possible, though Atletico Madrid refused to let him leave in August, and negotiations may be complicated.
As for Stiller, Romano believes Stuttgart are highly unlikely to sell a key player midseason, making a January move difficult.
Romano concluded by saying that while January may be challenging, the summer market — and especially the 2026 cycle — will almost certainly see Manchester United bring in “at least one major midfielder.”
