Abdulhafiz TeslimManchester United should prioritise a move for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes over France international Manu Kone, according to former Red Devils striker Louis Saha.
The 2026 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be the summer of the the central midfielder, with Elliot Anderson completing a British-record £116 million move to Manchester City, while Tottenham Hotspur have secured Mateus Fernandes for £85 million and are reportedly closing in on a £100 million deal for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali.
Anderson and Fernandes were both understood to be targets for Manchester United, but the Red Devils ultimately missed out after deciding against paying the substantial fees required to complete those transfers.
INEOS chiefs are believed to feel there will be further opportunities to recruit elite midfield talent at more reasonable prices later in the window. United have already reportedly agreed a £35 million deal with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, with the move expected to be completed following Brazil’s World Cup campaign.
Roma midfielder Manu Kone could also emerge as a target for the Old Trafford club. The French international is currently representing his country at the World Cup, and reports earlier this year suggested that United could attempt to sign both Kone and his Roma teammate Evan Ndicka.
However, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes the club should prioritise a more experienced option to fill the void left by Casemiro.
“I would consider him [Kone], but I would love to have someone who has a bit more experience, to be honest,” Saha told Metro.
“That person who comes in will have to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League and provide the balance that Manchester United need in midfield. Experience is very important in that situation.
“Maybe someone who has already played in the Premier League would be better. Elliot Anderson would have been a great option. Maybe someone like Bruno Guimaraes would be even better.
“You need players who offer that guarantee because next year is going to be tough, and Manchester United need midfielders who can make an immediate impact.”
Manchester United could yet turn their attention to Guimaraes following reports linking his Newcastle teammate Sandro Tonali with a move elsewhere, although Arsenal are currently understood to be leading the race for the Brazilian international.
While Guimaraes has previously been valued at around £100 million, recent reports have suggested that a deal could potentially be completed for a fee closer to £65 million, although Newcastle’s own valuation may remain significantly higher.
It has also been claimed that the 28-year-old’s head may have been turned by interest from Arsenal, adding further intrigue to what could become one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are also reportedly in a strong position to beat Chelsea in the race for another highly-rated Bundesliga midfielder as Ruben Amorim continues his squad rebuild ahead of the new season.
admin
Abdulhafiz Teslim
