Manchester United Transfer Targets Revealed As Amorim Plans January Rebuild

‎Manchester United are preparing for a busy January transfer window as Ruben Amorim looks to reshape his squad midway through his first full season at Old Trafford.

‎With the Portuguese coach keen to add experience, athleticism, and tactical flexibility, United have identified several high-profile targets across midfield and attack, many of whom already boast Premier League pedigree.

‎Among those being closely monitored are Al-Hilal midfielder Rúben Neves, Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, and Bournemouth duo Tyler Adams and Antoine Semenyo.

‎Although competition from rivals and financial constraints could complicate any potential deals.

‎Rúben Neves: Experience, and a Financial Hurdle

‎Rúben Neves is emerging as a serious option for United as Amorim weighs up ways to add control and authority to his midfield.

‎The 28-year-old, currently with Al-Hilal, is out of contract at the end of the season and could be available for around £20 million in January.

‎Neves is no stranger to the Premier League, having spent five years at Wolves before leaving for Saudi Arabia in 2023.

‎An experienced international with 63 Portugal caps, he offers leadership, positional discipline, and long-range passing qualities that Amorim values highly.

‎However, Neves’s reported £350,000-a-week salary represents a major stumbling block, particularly as United continue to navigate financial fair-play constraints.

‎There is also the possibility that Al-Hilal attempts to secure his future with a new contract, which could end United’s interest altogether.

‎Conor Gallagher: Loan Preferred as Atlético Pushes for a Sale

‎Another midfielder on United’s radar is Conor Gallagher, who joined Atlético Madrid from Chelsea on a five-year deal in 2024.

‎Despite the move, the England international has struggled to cement a regular starting role under Diego Simeone and has mostly been used as a substitute this season.

‎Atlético values Gallagher between €40 million and €50 million (£35 million-£44 million) and would prefer a permanent sale.

‎United, by contrast, would ideally like to explore a loan arrangement, making negotiations potentially difficult.

‎At 25, Gallagher remains motivated, recently expressing his desire to play regularly to force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

‎His energy, pressing ability, and Premier League experience make him a profile Amorim admires, even if a January deal appears complex.

‎Tyler Adams: Summer Move More Likely After Injury Setback

‎Bournemouth midfielder, Tyler Adams is also being tracked by United, but any move for the American international is unlikely before the summer.

‎The 26-year-old, who joined Bournemouth in 2023 and has 52 caps for the United States, has been ruled out for at least two months after suffering a knee injury in Monday’s dramatic 4-4 draw at Old Trafford.

‎Adams’ injury, combined with Bournemouth’s reluctance to weaken their squad mid-season, makes a January transfer improbable. United are expected to revisit their interest once the season concludes, provided Adams returns to full fitness.

‎Antoine Semenyo: United Face Strong Competition

‎United’s most ambitious pursuit appears to be Antoine Semenyo, the Bournemouth forward who impressed once again in Monday’s draw at Old Trafford.

‎The Ghana international has a release clause believed to be just under £65 million, a figure that includes loyalty bonuses and agent fees, and must be triggered early next month.

‎Liverpool and Manchester City are both vying for Semenyo’s signature, with the player thought to favour a move to Anfield. While City is considered his second choice.

‎Tottenham is also interested but is seen as an outsider in the race.

‎Liverpool head coach, Arne Slot views Semenyo as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, while City has already made contact with the player and his representatives.

‎Although Pep Guardiola’s future beyond this season is uncertain despite his contract running until 2027, that instability is not expected to impact Semenyo’s decision.

‎Amorim’s Tactical Vision for Semenyo

‎Despite stiff competition, Amorim is determined to convince Semenyo that Old Trafford offers the best platform for his development.

‎The United manager has previously described the former Bristol City player as a “special” footballer and believes he can play a key role in his system.

‎Amorim sees Semenyo primarily as a left wing-back or a No 10, roles that would add pace, physicality, and goal threat. United’s current options in those areas have failed to fully convince.

‎Patrick Dorgu, Amorim’s first signing last January, has struggled to settle, while Diogo Dalot is naturally more comfortable on the right.

‎Semenyo’s availability is also boosted by the fact that Ghana failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, meaning he would not miss time in January.

‎This is particularly important for United, who will be without Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo due to AFCON commitments with Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon respectively.

‎Amorim’s broader recruitment strategy remains clear. He prioritises players with Premier League experience and tactical adaptability, a profile that fits Neves, Gallagher, Adams, and Semenyo.

‎The United coach also continues to admire Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, although that pursuit is firmly viewed as a summer objective.