Top 5 Man United targets for January transfer window 2026
Who are the Man United targets for January transfer window? Which players will the Red Devils look to bring in when the transfer market opens again in the new year?
As the 2026 January transfer window opens, Manchester United finds itself at a crucial juncture. The club is engaged in a fierce battle for a top-four finish, aiming to return to the Champions League for the first time in three seasons.
With manager Ruben Amorim seeking to solidify his project, strategic mid-season reinforcements could be the key to turning a promising campaign into a successful one.
However, the club’s approach appears measured. Reports indicate that while United are active in the market, their primary focus might already be on the summer window.
This January represents an opportunity to address immediate needs with pragmatic, “plug-and-play” Premier League talent, while also laying groundwork for the future. Watch & Bet on Sports =>
Who are the Man United targets for January transfer window?
Top 5 Man United targets for January transfer window? Find out which players Manchester United will try and sign during the January transfer window here.
Ruben Amorim will try and improve the Manchester United squad in the new year to help his team challenge for the Premier League and Champions League.
Manchester United are approaching the January transfer window firmly in the mix for Champions League qualification.
Sitting sixth in the Premier League, just three points off the top five, manager Ruben Amorim’s side has a clear target but has shown inconsistency, particularly with disappointing home results.
To strengthen their push for Europe, the club is expected to be active in the market, with midfield reinforcements being the top priority.
The search for midfield reinforcement reveals a tiered strategy. While Gallagher is a more attainable January target, United’s dream signings appear to be out of reach this winter.
Players like Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton (valued at over £70 million) and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba (with a price tag near £100 million) are viewed as extremely difficult to acquire mid-season.
This has led to other names being linked. ESPN experts have suggested exploring a short-term loan for a player like Rúben Neves from Al Hilal as a stop-gap solution to bolster the push for Champions League qualification.
The club’s activity may well depend on outgoings, with sales or loans for players like Manuel Ugarte potentially funding immediate arrivals.
Read on for the list of the Top 5 Man United targets for January transfer window.
5. Salvador Blopa is one of the wingers Man United want to sign January 2026
Manchester United have held discussions about signing 18-year-old Sporting CP wingback Salvador Blopa.
The move is driven by manager Ruben Amorim’s need for a specialist in that position and his prior knowledge of the player from his time at Sporting.
Labelled a “wonderkid,” Blopa announced himself by scoring twice on his senior debut, breaking an 88-year club record.
However, a January transfer appears difficult as Sporting recently tied him to a new long-term contract containing a massive £70m to €100m release clause, designed to deter buyers. United’s interest may be a longer-term play. Watch & Bet on Sports =>
4. Jeremy Jacquet is one of the center-back Man United will sign in 2026
While a new defensive midfielder is the stated summer priority, United are also monitoring Stade Rennes centre-back Jérémy Jacquet.
The 20-year-old French U21 international is highly rated, labelled a “Rolls-Royce” defender by scouts, and is valued at around £35 million.
A January move is considered difficult, as Rennes wanted to keep him for this season and have since secured his future with a contract until 2029.
United’s interest appears to be part of a longer-term strategy to recruit young, talented defenders, and they are one of several clubs keeping tabs on his situation should the market accelerate this month.
3. Conor Gallagher is one of the midfielder Man United will sign this January transfer
Manchester United are reportedly at the front of the queue to bring Conor Gallagher back to the Premier League from Atletico Madrid.
The 25-year-old England international has struggled for consistent starts in Spain and is said to be “very keen” on a return, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Gallagher’s profile fits a specific need for Amorim: a high-energy, box-to-box midfielder who can immediately boost the team’s intensity and work rate.
With captain Bruno Fernandes injured and the future of Kobbie Mainoo uncertain, adding proven Premier League experience is a priority.
The deal, however, hinges on structure. United would prefer a loan for the rest of the season, while Atletico Madrid are seeking a permanent sale to recoup most of the £35 million they paid Chelsea 18 months ago.
2. El Mala is one of the winger Man United will sign in January transfer
Manchester United are among several top clubs eyeing 19-year-old FC Köln winger Said El Mala.
The German youth international has enjoyed a breakthrough Bundesliga season, contributing six goals and three assists in 15 appearances with his explosive pace and direct dribbling.
His rapid rise has led to a senior national team call-up. While United are contenders, a winter deal is seen as unlikely; his agent has stated El Mala is focused on Köln and “a transfer is not on the cards at the moment”.
Any future move would command a fee of at least £52 million.
1. Jean-Philippe Mateta is one of the striker Man United will sign in 2026
With Joshua Zirkzee seemingly headed for the exit, United’s striker department could be left thin, reliant solely on Benjamin Sesko.
Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as a leading candidate to fill that void. The 28-year-old Frenchman is a known nuisance to Premier League defences and, crucially, is already familiar with the 3-4-2-1 system similar to the one Amorim employs.
The major hurdle is cost. Last summer, Palace rejected bids worth up to £50 million from Champions League clubs for their star striker.
For United’s new leadership under INEOS, spending such a sum on a player who turns 29 in June and has little resale value presents a significant dilemma. A deal may depend on United’s ability to negotiate that figure down significantly.
More about Man United transfer targets January 2026
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