Manchester United will be very active in the market again next year. – The plan of the bosses at Old Trafford is for more footballers to go out than in, but for those who do come to be of “high quality”.
Now they have emerged as “favourites to sign” a Borussia Dortmund star.
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Manchester United have been busy in the transfer market since Ruben Amorim arrived over twelve months ago and only recently have we started to see positive results.
Patrick Dorgu was the only addition in the January window, but four first-team players arrived during the summer.
Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were signed in an offensive upheaval, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens was another much-needed addition. Their arrival has had a noticeable impact, with United currently sitting in seventh place after finishing last season in a disappointing 15th place.
Central midfielders and defenders are believed to be priorities for 2026, lists are said to have already been drawn up. One name that has emerged as a potential defensive target is Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck.
The German international joined Dortmund in 2022, but with his contract lasting until 2027, speculation has increased that he could seek a move next year.
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According to Spanish website Fichajes, “United have taken the lead” in the race to sign Schlotterbeck.
The report adds that United admire his ability on the ball and see him as a player who can help reduce the average age of the defensive line.
However, over the past year, the club has stated that they are still at risk of violating the Premier League’s rules for profit and sustainability (PSR).
With spending of over £200 million over the summer, PSR constraints are expected to play a key role in shaping their transfer activity next year. As a result, swaps can become an appealing strategy for United.
One player who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent months is England international Kobbie Mainoo.
The midfielder asked to leave the club on loan in August and has still not started a Premier League game this season.
United in Focus reported in the summer that Borussia Dortmund was one of the clubs that was keeping a close eye on Mainoo’s situation.
Mainoo’s contract with Manchester United runs until 2027, although the club has an option to extend it for another year.
United’s first contract offer at the start of 2025 was rejected by the player, and the two parties have not come any closer to an agreement during the summer.
As Mainoo become increasingly frustrated with their limited playing time, now a January loan seems likely. Antonio Conte’s Napoli has emerged as a possible destination, following the success of Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund in Italy.
