Manchester United transfer targets summer 2026: Club-record £100m signing eyed

In this article, we will be taking a deeper look at all of the latest Manchester United transfer targets ahead of the summer transfer window.

After a successful transfer window last summer, when the club brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens, the goal this summer is to make signings that can make them genuine title contenders in 2026/27.

Manchester United transfer targets summer 2026

 

*Based on reported current valuations. Subject to change.

Carlos Baleba (Brighton)

According to football journalist and transfer expert David Ornstein, United contacted Brighton last summer to explore the conditions over a potential deal for central midfield player Carlos Baleba.

While they were told a deal would be impossible at the time, things may be different this time around. Baleba had a poor season by his standards, with many people speculating that his head was turned by United's interest. There is likely to still be interest in the player, but at a lower fee.

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

According to different rumours, including those from Football Insider, Manchester United are extremely interested in bringing Palmer to Old Trafford. More importantly, Chelsea are not completely shutting down the interest from the Red Devils.

That being said, signing Palmer would cost United a record transfer fee for the Premier League, as Chelsea reportedly won't settle for anything less than £125m, so it remains to be seen whether the two sides can find a common ground in the summer.

Alex Scott (Bournemouth)

According to several reports in the UK media, Alex Scott is a player that Manchester United are very keen on bringing to Old Trafford this summer. The 22-year-old has the engine to complement Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans in the middle of the park.