Manchester United Weigh Up Cheaper Alternative to Baleba

Manchester United’s summer rebuild has been anything but straightforward. The Red Devils began with a clear plan to add a dynamic midfielder, and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba quickly rose to the top of their shortlist. But Brighton’s valuation—hovering around nine figures—has thrown a serious wrench into the club’s transfer strategy. Now, reports suggest that United may turn their attention to Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume, a player who could offer both quality and value.

Agoume might not be the blockbuster name that Baleba represents, but the 22-year-old French midfielder is beginning to draw plenty of interest across Europe. Having joined Sevilla from Inter Milan last year, he became an important piece of a side that fought off relegation in La Liga. His maturity stood out not only at club level but also on the international stage, where he captained France at the Under-21 European Championships.

What makes Agoume particularly attractive to United is the financial side of the deal. Unlike Brighton’s lofty demands for Baleba, Sevilla’s midfielder reportedly has a release clause set just under £35 million—a figure that may even be negotiable. For a club that has already spent heavily this window, the chance to bring in a capable midfielder without straining Profit and Sustainability regulations could be decisive.

There’s also a tactical dimension to his appeal. Agoume is a ball-winning midfielder with the discipline to shield the back line while still contributing in possession. 

United’s hunt for midfield reinforcements hasn’t been confined to Baleba and Agoume. Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton were also explored, but both come with complications. Hjulmand would require Sporting to part ways with their captain—a move they are unlikely to sanction cheaply—while Palace are reluctant to cash in on Wharton given speculation around other stars potentially leaving.

All of this has forced United to keep their options open, with Agoume now looking like one of the more realistic solutions. Still, any move may depend on whether the club can create room in the squad and the wage bill through player sales. Loan exits such as Marcus Rashford and Toby Collyer have been sanctioned, but permanent departures remain in flux. The futures of Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund have been subject to speculation, though United are holding firm on their valuations.

Elsewhere, uncertainty looms between the posts. Inter Milan’s interest in re-signing André Onana has added fuel to rumors of a possible pursuit of Gianluigi Donnarumma. While nothing is concrete, United’s willingness to entertain such moves highlights that squad reshaping is far from complete.