Manchester United signing Baréba seems inevitable, aiming to negotiate the price below £80 million! Amourin looks to replace Ugart.

Manchester United is about to experience a substantial midfield transformation this year. Whether or not Ruben Amourin stays in charge, the midfield lineup will see a big refresh. Kobe Meno’s prospects are unclear, Ugart fails to inspire confidence, Casemiro’s contract extension is unlikely, and even captain Bruno Fernandes is repeatedly involved in transfer rumors. Therefore, United may bring in more than one new midfielder. Elliott Anderson, Adam Walton, and Carlos Baréba have been the top three candidates, but only the 21-year-old Baréba is a player the Red Devils are certain to secure.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Manchester United still have their eyes on Baréba. The Cameroonian international had already agreed to join United last summer, and like Cunha and Mbemo, the obstacle to fulfilling his "Red Devil dream" has been Brighton’s asking price exceeding £100 million or the club’s decisions, rather than the player’s own willingness.

Romano stated that Bayern Munich from the Bundesliga has given up pursuing Baréba, as they believe the player wants to join Manchester United. "There were rumors in December that Bayern was interested in Baréba. To my knowledge, currently Bayern is not actively pursuing Baréba because they think he prefers to stay in England. They are aware that last summer Baréba wanted to join United, and Bayern understands this situation. Up to now, they have not seriously started negotiations to sign Baréba. If circumstances change in the summer, I will update everyone promptly. But as of now, in the January 2026 transfer window, Bayern has not seriously pushed forward this deal."

Manchester United’s transfer department and Amourin remain optimistic about Baréba. Although he might not be as consistent as Anderson and Walton, if Brighton is willing to sell, the Red Devils will consider it. United’s goal is to reduce his price to below £80 million, including installment payments and variable clauses.

Romano insists: "Regarding midfielders, since August, I have kept Baréba’s name on Manchester United’s shortlist. Because I am certain that internally United has been discussing whether to bring in Baréba. For Amourin and the club’s senior management, Baréba is still seen as an ideal midfield option. Alongside Crystal Palace’s Walton and Nottingham Forest’s Anderson, Baréba is considered one of Amourin’s preferred midfielders."

However, the likelihood of Baréba transferring in January is almost nonexistent. Romano confirmed: "Manchester United values Baréba highly, although the chance of a January move is slim, whether in winter or summer, if Brighton decides to let him go, United will show great interest. They are still in contact with people close to the player."

Baréba is currently with the Cameroon national team participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. He was substituted due to injury in the first group stage match but started and played the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Ivory Coast, and played half the match in the final group game against Mozambique. Cameroon has advanced to the knockout stage, so Baréba’s return to the Premier League will be delayed.

Baréba’s performance for the national team is considered better than his current season at Brighton, which is not surprising since many players perform better internationally than at their clubs, mainly due to focus factors. Manchester United’s Pogba was a typical example of this.

If Manchester United sign Baréba, they may consider selling Ugart, the Uruguayan defensive midfielder who previously worked with Amourin at Sporting Lisbon. Turkish media "Fotomac" reports that United hopes to receive over €30 million in transfer fees, which is only half of what they initially paid PSG for him. Ugart’s contract with United runs until 2029, but if a suitable fee is offered, the Red Devils appear willing to let the Uruguayan international leave Old Trafford.

Reports say Turkish giants Galatasaray have shown interest in Ugart and plan to use Uruguayan compatriots Fernando Muslera and Lucas Torreira as intermediaries. Meanwhile, French club Lyon and Italian side Napoli are also believed to be potential competitors in the race.