EXCL: Man United identify €80m star as new target to replace big name

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a new high-profile signing as part of their ongoing rebuild under Erik ten Hag, with sources revealing that the club have now identified an €80 million-rated defensive midfielder as a top target.

According to reports from The Daily Briefing, United are exploring options to strengthen their midfield after a turbulent start to the season that has exposed the lack of consistency and control in the centre of the park. With key players underperforming and questions surrounding the future of some senior names, the club sees this as the perfect opportunity to reset.

Insiders claim that the player in question — whose name is being kept under wraps due to ongoing negotiations — has already attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus. The competition is fierce, but Manchester United believe their sporting project and Premier League appeal could tilt the balance in their favour.

Ten Hag is said to have personally approved the player’s profile, describing him as a “modern controller” capable of dictating the tempo, breaking up opposition play, and linking defence to attack — something United have sorely lacked this campaign. The manager has been vocal about the need for greater stability, particularly in high-pressure fixtures where United have often lost midfield battles.

This potential signing could also mark the end of an era for one of United’s existing stars. Sources close to Old Trafford suggest that the club are preparing to phase out Casemiro, who has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form this season. The Brazilian’s wages and age are seen as obstacles to United’s long-term strategy, and the board are now prioritizing younger, dynamic players who can evolve with the team.

The €80 million target reportedly fits that bill perfectly — a player with physical presence, elite ball recovery stats, and composure under pressure. Scouts have been tracking him for several months, attending multiple league and European games to gather detailed reports for Ten Hag and sporting director Dan Ashworth.

While talks remain in the preliminary stages, United are expected to step up their pursuit in January 2026, with the player’s representatives already aware of the Premier League club’s interest. Financially, United could face stiff challenges due to FFP restrictions, but there’s belief within the camp that offloading fringe players could fund the move.

Fans have expressed mixed emotions about another big-money midfield signing. Some argue that United need to focus on creativity and attacking reinforcements, while others believe that fixing the base of midfield is essential before anything else. Many agree, however, that the team needs a commanding presence — someone in the mould of Rodri or Declan Rice — to bring balance and authority.

Ten Hag, meanwhile, remains focused on reshaping the squad with players who match his philosophy. After a summer dominated by defensive and goalkeeping moves, the Dutchman is eager to strengthen the spine of his side with a long-term solution. Club insiders have hinted that this player could become one of the “cornerstones” of United’s next evolution.

As the January window approaches, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see whether United can pull off another major signing — one that could finally bring back the control and dominance their midfield once had. For now, the chase continues quietly behind the scenes, but make no mistake — Manchester United are planning another statement move.

If completed, the deal could define the next chapter of Ten Hag’s tenure — and potentially reshape United’s midfield for years to come.