Manchester United Plot £52 Million Midfield Overhaul with Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba Targets

Manchester United are already turning their attention to next summer’s transfer window, with plans to reinforce the midfield taking shape amid a broader strategy to reshape the squad and manage the club’s finances more efficiently.

Despite the current 2025/26 season still in its early stages, Old Trafford is quietly preparing for a bold move that could see the arrivals of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, in what would mark a major step in rebuilding Ruben Amorim’s team.

A strategic approach to squad rebuilding

United’s summer recruitment has already attracted praise, with the signings of forwards Bryan Mbeumo and goalkeeper Senne Lammens being hailed as smart, forward-looking moves. However, midfield reinforcement has remained a top priority for Amorim and the recruitment team.

For years, the lack of depth and dynamism in central areas has hampered the club’s ability to compete at the highest level, and the upcoming transfer window presents a prime opportunity to address that weakness.

According to ESPN, United are considering a plan that could free up £52 million in annual wages, largely through the departures of high earners Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford. This reduction would allow the club to reinvest in youthful, energetic talent without dramatically inflating their wage bill.

“The plan is to focus on players who are not only talented but also affordable in terms of wages,” a source told ESPN.

Anderson and Baleba fit the bill perfectly. Both are young, ambitious, and already proven in the Premier League, yet neither demands the kind of high salaries that have historically been a financial burden at Old Trafford. Currently, Anderson earns around £45,000-a-week at Forest, while Baleba’s wage at Brighton is even lower.

Why Anderson and Baleba?

Manchester United Plot £52 Million Midfield Overhaul with Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba Targets

The appeal of Anderson lies in his technical ability and versatility. A key figure for Nottingham Forest, the 22-year-old is capable of contributing both defensively and offensively in midfield, while also providing a spark in transitions. For United, he represents a player who can grow into a first-team regular while remaining affordable and adaptable.

Baleba, 21, is already considered one of Brighton’s brightest talents. With a reputation for energy, creativity and intelligence in possession, he could complement United’s existing midfield core. Paired alongside players such as Bruno Fernandes and emerging star Kobbie Mainoo, Baleba’s arrival could inject the intensity and vision that has been lacking in the center of the park.

Adding both players would not only improve the squad’s depth but also create a midfield that balances experience with youth. It’s the kind of combination that allows for long-term development while also competing immediately in the Premier League.

Financial efficiency and strategic planning

While £150 million or more may be required to secure both transfers, United’s approach demonstrates a more careful financial strategy. By reducing the wage bill through the departure of high-earning veterans and reinvesting in younger, less costly players, the club aims to strengthen the squad without risking financial instability.

This represents a clear departure from the era of signing aging stars for big fees and salaries — a strategy that has often left Old Trafford struggling to balance ambition with sustainability. Instead, Amorim and the recruitment team are focusing on building a squad that can deliver success over the long term.

A potential midfield to excite fans

If United are able to bring in Anderson and Baleba, the midfield could look very promising. With Bruno Fernandes providing leadership and creativity, Kobbie Mainoo offering youthful energy, and the potential arrivals bringing additional dynamism, United could finally have a midfield capable of dominating games and dictating play consistently.

Of course, the challenge remains in securing both players amid competition from other Premier League clubs, but the plan is in place, and United appear determined to execute it. The strategy reflects a modern approach to recruitment: intelligent, financially prudent, and focused on long-term squad development.

For fans, the prospect of seeing Anderson and Baleba in red shirts is an exciting one. Not only would it represent a clear upgrade in quality, but it also signals a club willing to combine smart spending with strategic planning — a philosophy that could pay dividends for years to come.