I think Manchester United will sign only one more midfielder this summer.
The reason is simple.
This midfield market is getting out of control.
Recent reports suggest:
Mateus Fernandes could cost around £85m.
Adam Wharton is valued at around £100m.
Newcastle have no intention of selling Tonali cheaply.
Forest are reportedly looking for £105m-120m for Elliot Anderson.
And with José Mourinho arriving at Real Madrid, Tchouaméni may become even harder to sign.
A few months ago, many fans thought United could sign a top midfielder and then add another option later in the window.
I'm no longer convinced.
The gap between a first-tier and second-tier target is becoming smaller and smaller.
If Fernandes costs £85m, is he really a second-tier signing?
That is why I think United may end up making one major midfield signing rather than two.
What makes this market even more interesting is that everything feels connected.
One move could trigger five others.
If Manchester City sign Anderson, perhaps Rodri becomes available for Real Madrid.
If Real Madrid land Rodri, perhaps Tchouaméni becomes available.
If Real Madrid move for João Neves, PSG may enter the market for a replacement.
If PSG enter the market, United could suddenly lose a target and be forced to look elsewhere.
At the moment, everything still feels uncertain.
And I wouldn't be surprised if some of the biggest moves happen after the World Cup.
Right now, this doesn't feel like a transfer market.
It feels like a poker game.
Everyone is waiting for someone else to make the first move.
And when that happens, the dominoes will start falling.
#MUFC
One key word here is “MUFC targeting players who want them”
So it’s clear that Mateus Fernandes and Scott want us.
And it is also clear that Elliot Anderson doesn’t want us.
#MUFC
🚨 Manchester United admiration for Elliot Anderson well known but not in contention at current financial levels. #MUFC refusing to enter bidding war; targeting players who want them + focused on candidates like Mateus Fernandes & Alex Scott @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/DdanEQcqnz