Manchester United are searching for midfielders in 2026, and Leon Goretzka is set to become available.
Ineos are expected to overhaul Manchester United’s midfield this summer. While January has been quiet so far, significant changes look set to happen at the end of the season.
Casemiro has already said he will leave as a free agent, and Manuel Ugarte is being linked with a move away. With an already thin group getting thinner, the club will need reinforcements.
Elliot Anderson remains the top target, but multiple signings are likely. Leon Goretzka is one of the names being discussed.
Fabrizio Romano addresses Leon Goretzka’s links to Man United
Goretzka has been on United’s radar before, having been tipped as a possible successor to Paul Pogba back in 2021, though nothing materialised at the time.
The club also showed interest again in 2023, but it now looks like the best chance to sign him could come this summer. The German midfielder is expected to leave Bayern Munich as a free agent.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano received plenty of questions about whether United could look to sign the 30-year-old, but he played down those rumours.
“Two quick things on Manchester United. One is about all the questions I’m receiving on Leon Goretzka,” he began by saying on his YouTube channel.
“Goretzka will leave Bayern as a free agent in the summer, but Goretzka will have plenty of options. My understanding is that Man United will go very big for midfielders in the summer, trust me, very big.
“They could sign one, maybe two midfielders in the summer transfer window. Casemiro is leaving and so Man United will go very strong for midfielders.
“But at the moment, I’m not aware of anything advanced for Goretzka.”
Man United need blend of youth and experience in midfield
Casemiro’s departure means United are losing a huge amount of experience from their squad. The five-time Champions League winner will not be easy to replace, both in terms of his presence on the pitch and his leadership off it.
Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are two names high on United’s list, with the pair aged just 23 and 21 respectively. Both would add energy and long-term promise to the side.
Ineos are clearly looking ahead with their recruitment, focusing on building a squad for the future rather than quick fixes.
If Goretzka were to join Manchester United, he would become Ineos’ oldest signing to date. But even at this stage of his career, he still has plenty to offer and could be invaluable in guiding younger players like Kobbie Mainoo.
If they end up bringing in two new midfielders, pairing a younger talent with an experienced head could offer some much-needed balance without breaking the bank.
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