Manchester United’s summer transfer window has already been a success for manager Ruben Amorim, but there is still plenty of work left to do before the September 1st deadline.
The 40-year-old has already cleared out some of the deadwood on the books at Old Trafford, releasing Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans at the end of their respective contracts.
Other outgoings will undoubtedly take place over the next couple of weeks, which could allow for added funds to be reinvested into the side ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have all joined the Red Devils, costing £200m combined, completing a deadly trio at the top end of the pitch.
However, other areas of the side are still in desperate need of reinforcements, which could result in numerous players being landed in an attempt to rise up England’s top-flight.
Man Utd preparing move for Carlos Baleba alternative
Carlos Baleba has been one of United’s key targets in recent days, after talks were held between the Red Devils and the player’s entourage over a potential switch.
Despite the interest in the Brighton midfielder, a deal could now be unlikely given the Seagulls’ reluctance to allow the youngster to leave, subsequently putting a £100m price tag on his head.
However, not landing a deal for the 21-year-old may not be the end of the world, with the hierarchy also currently exploring a move for Sevilla star Lucien Agoume, according to TBR Football.
They report that despite their keen interest in Baleba, alternatives to the former Lille star have been drawn up, with the Frenchman just one player in their sights.
It also states that he’s seen as a cheaper alternative this summer, potentially able to follow a similar path over the next few years and become their own £100m talent.
Why United’s Baleba alternative would be their next Pogba
Just a handful of years ago, United’s midfield department was home to numerous elite-level talents, one of which was Paul Pogba – who cost a club-record £89m in the summer of 2016.
The Frenchman rejoined the club just a few seasons after leaving on a free transfer to join Juventus, moving back to Old Trafford as a completely different player.
He registered over 200 appearances during his second spell in the North West, often producing a spectacular effort, helping the side win the Europa League in his first season back in England.
However, he would leave on a free transfer in 2022, ultimately tailing off after his excellent start, with his attitude and commitment towards the Red Devils often coming into question.
Regardless of his struggles, Pogba will forever be remembered in Manchester as a player who made the game look easy, often dominating the opposition, with Agoume having the chance to follow in his compatriot’s footsteps in 2025/26.
The 23-year-old has endured an erratic start to his career, featuring for seven clubs in seven years, but he appears to have found his home in Seville over the last few months.
He made 35 appearances in LaLiga last season, often catching the eye with his displays, which has seen journalist Zach Lowy comparing him to former fan-favourite Pogba.
Games played
35
Goals & assists
4
Pass completion rate
82%
Progressive passes
5.8
Tackles made
2.9
Interceptions made
1.8
Take-on success
73%
Passes into final third
5.4
Agoume, who’s been labelled “extraordinary” by former boss Enrique Sanchez Flores, completed 82% of the passes he attempted last season, with 5.8 of which being defined as progressive – able to thrive in possession, just as Pogba did during his time at United.
He also made 2.9 tackles per 90 and 1.8 interceptions per 90, with the latter tally ranking him within the top 2% of all players in Spain’s top-flight – handing Amorim the perfect box-to-box option in midfield.
Added talent across the board is highlighted in his tally of 73% take-ons completed, able to glide past opposition players, emulating the skillset of his compatriot in the process.
There’s no denying that, given Baleba’s two-year spell in England’s top-flight that he would be many of the fans’ first choice to bolster the midfield department this window.
However, given the money spent in other areas, cheaper options will have to be considered, with Agoume arguably being a bargain addition if he can match Pogba’s success at the Theatre of Dreams.
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1 ByEthan Lamb