Man United have been heavily linked to signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham in the January transfer window.
Man United are looking to add a midfielder in the January transfer window, as Ruben Amorim wants to add both more depth and also find a starter who he can play alongside Bruno Fernandes each and every week. They have been linked to a lot of names, but as it is difficult to get deals done in January, it may be a tough task working out which one is most likely to join.
The likes of Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are all on Man United’s shortlist of potential midfield targets. However, Baleba and Anderson are expected to cost over £100m each, and Wharton is expected to cost at least £70m. All three will likely be ‘not for sale’ in January too, as they are key players for Brighton, Forest and Crystal Palace.
As a different option, Man United have been linked to signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham on loan in the January transfer window as a short-term fix to their midfield woes.
Jobe Bellingham rumoured to have rejected Man United loan move
The former Sunderland midfielder would be a sensible signing for United, as it is clear that he is more than good enough to play in the Premier League, and he is keen on a loan move away from Dortmund in search of more regular minutes ahead of the World Cup in the summer.
However, according to the Mirror, Bellingham doesn’t want to join Man United on loan and has reportedly rejected the opportunity, meaning that the Red Devils will have to consider other options. However, with the likelihood of signing one of Baleba, Anderson and Wharton very limited in January, it leaves United somewhat stuck.
Amorim will be disappointed about Bellingham’s snub, but it is because United aren’t in the Champions League; simply a punishment for a poor season last year under the Portuguese manager.
Amorim should focus on keeping Mainoo instead
As it seems the chance to sign Bellingham has gone, Ruben Amorim should shift his focus to Kobbie Mainoo, who has requested a loan move away from Old Trafford as he wants more regular minutes ahead of the World Cup, much like Bellingham.
But if you think about it, is Bellingham really any better than Mainoo as an option in the holding role at United? A report by Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport has said that Napoli are set to make a move for Mainoo in January, and so United should really prioritise keeping hold of the 20-year-old rather than replacing him.
Mainoo has a market value at the moment of just £40m, but with his potential, he could be worth so much more. Amorim should consider keeping him at Old Trafford and giving him more regular minutes in order to keep the English youngster happy.
Former Man United captain Rio Ferdinand also agreed with this opinion, as he said whilst speaking to the Manchester Evening News: “I do not want Kobbie Mainoo putting on any other shirt other than England’s or Man United’s, simple as. If he was agitating to get a loan now, if he is not playing in January, he will be agitating and knocking the door down even more to go and get game time.
“If you are thinking long-term for Manchester United, I think Manchester United have to find a way of getting this kid in the team, he is a huge talent. Is there another way to get him in the team, what does he need to do, that is the big thing for me.”
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