Man United transfer news: Three bargain midfield options for the 20-time English champions this summer

Manchester United's immediate transfer focus is on securing a deal for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, with a third offer for the Cameroon international being submitted on Thursday.

The Red Devils also want to sign a new centre-forward, while Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir have both been linked with exits, so a new number one or number two goalkeeper could be brought in this summer.

Central midfield is not an area that the club are prioritising at this moment in time, but the expectation is that a player will be signed in that area of the field before the end of the transfer window.

With that in mind, Sports Mole identifies three targets for the 20-time English champions who would not break the bank, as a big-money addition in central midfield is viewed as incredibly unlikely.

Andre (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Andre made 36 appearances for Wolves during the 2024-25 campaign following a move from Fluminense, with 33 of those outings coming in England's top flight, and he made a big impression.

The midfielder completed 93% of his passes in the Premier League last summer, according to Sofascore, and there has recently been speculation surrounding his future, with Man United and Liverpool said to be interested.

The 24-year-old scored four goals and registered four assists in 197 matches for Fluminense ahead of his move to Wolves, and the expectation is that he will join a major club sooner or later.

Wolves could reportedly sell him for as little as £30m this summer, and he could be the perfect player to operate alongside Bruno Fernandes in central midfield, with Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo rotating into the side.

Richard Rios (Palmeiras)

Rios was impressive for Palmeiras at the 2025 Club World Cup, providing two assists in five appearances, and he is believed to be on the radar of a number of major European clubs.

Most recently, the 25-year-old has been linked with Roma, but it is understood that discussions over a potential move to the Serie A giants have cooled, and this could therefore be the time for Man United to pounce.

Rios is an energetic central midfielder who is impressive in possession of the ball, while he has contributed 11 goals and 10 assists in 138 appearances for Palmeiras in all competitions.

The midfielder is said to have a £26m release clause in his current deal, making him a bargain acquisition.

Christian Eriksen's departure on a free transfer has opened up a spot in the middle of midfield, and Rios could be an incredibly smart signing for the Red Devils considering his age, price and skill set.

Corentin Tolisso (Lyon)

Tolisso's future is currently the subject of speculation, with the experienced midfielder said to be looking to leave Lyon during this summer's transfer window.

The 30-year-old was in strong form for Lyon during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 10 goals and registering nine assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.

Tolisso netted against Man United in the Europa League last season, and he has a host of experience at the top level, having played 118 times for Bayern Munich between his two spells at Lyon.

The Frenchman has a contract with his current side until June 2027, but it is believed that he could leave for as little as £9m this summer, making him a very interesting option for Man United.

Tolisso is said to have already rejected offers from Turkey this summer, as he is looking to join a ‘prestigious’ club, and Man United certainly fit the brief in terms of his alleged transfer plan.

Written by
Matt Law