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Manchester United completes £155 million midfield revamp as attention shifts to left-back depth

Following the £70 million signing of Carlos Baleba, United is assessing left-back options to support Luke Shaw ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.

Updated Aug 25, 2026 · 16:45 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • Manchester United concluded its summer midfield spending after completing the £70 million signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton, bringing its total midfield revamp costs to £155 million.
  • The club is now evaluating whether to sign a new left-back to support 31-year-old Luke Shaw, whose injury history is a concern ahead of a crowded autumn fixture schedule.
  • Potential targets include Newcastle's Lewis Hall, Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, and Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas, though financial limits and the need for player sales remain obstacles.

Key facts

  • Manchester United completed its £155 million midfield overhaul with the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton for £70 million, joining earlier summer signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.[BBC News]
  • Luke Shaw started 38 Premier League games last season, but prior hamstring and calf issues have raised concerns about his durability under a heavy multi-competition schedule.[BBC News]
  • United has shown interest in Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, but Newcastle is reluctant to sell and United's leadership has resisted overpaying for players.[BBC News]
  • Other reported targets include Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, valued between €30 million and €40 million, and Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas, who has a €16 million release clause.[BBC News]
  • Third-quarter financial accounts to March 31 showed that Manchester United owed £405.75 million in outstanding transfer fees, and the club recently borrowed an additional $125 million in June.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • It remains uncertain if United will secure another left-back before the September 1 deadline, as potential moves may depend on raising funds through player sales like Joshua Zirkzee.[BBC News]
  • The club has declined to clarify the severity of forward Amad Diallo's injury amid unconfirmed reports that he could be sidelined for up to six weeks.[BBC News]

Sources