Manchester United look at £35m Baleba alternative for January

Man Utd urged to pursue Sevilla midfielder as £35m upgrade option

Midfield reinforcements under discussion

The January transfer window could see Manchester United revisit their pursuit of a defensive midfielder, with Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume emerging as a leading candidate, according to Man Utd News. The 23-year-old Frenchman has impressed this season, earning comparisons to N’Golo Kante for his tireless work rate and tactical intelligence.

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“Agoume has developed into a top-quality holding midfielder at the Andalusian outfit and has had a fine start this season,” the report stated, highlighting his consistent performances in La Liga. His numbers back that up, averaging four recoveries, two tackles and two clearances per game while winning around 52 percent of his ground and aerial duels.

Smart value in the transfer market

With a release clause of £35 million, Agoume represents a cost-effective alternative to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, whose £115 million valuation pushed United away in the summer. “He would represent a bargain signing for the Red Devils in January,” the piece added, particularly given Sevilla’s ongoing financial struggles and absence from European competition.

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The report also suggested that United could strike a deal below the clause value through structured add-ons, an approach that aligns with the club’s evolving transfer strategy.

Statistical edge over previous targets

Comparatively, Baleba’s current campaign has been modest. The Cameroonian midfielder has won just 48 percent of his duels, averaging only one tackle and one clearance per game, along with three recoveries. More tellingly, his distribution rate sits at an average of just 14 passes per league appearance, compared to Agoume’s 33.

That gap in both efficiency and confidence in possession makes Agoume an appealing option for Ruben Amorim’s evolving midfield setup. He has also contributed two key goal involvements this season, reinforcing his growing influence.

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A fit for United’s tactical rebuild

At 23, Agoume remains a developing player, but his foundation of athleticism and composure suggests he could thrive in the Premier League. As the report noted, “He would be a good signing without paying over the odds.” United’s focus on physicality and progressive play in central areas makes him a stylistic match for their future plans.

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This report touches a familiar theme: the ongoing search for stability in midfield. Many supporters would welcome the idea of investing in a player like Agoume, particularly given the inflated valuations of Premier League-based targets.

At £35 million, this feels like the kind of strategic move that could balance value and quality. Fans have grown weary of marquee signings that fail to deliver consistency, and Agoume’s numbers suggest a disciplined operator capable of both protecting the defence and progressing play with purpose.

From a tactical perspective, United supporters will appreciate that Agoume’s range of passing and defensive tenacity align with Amorim’s possession-based principles. The Portuguese manager’s system thrives on control in transition, and the Sevilla midfielder’s ball recovery and composure could help restore balance to a midfield that has looked exposed in high-tempo matches.

Some fans may, however, question whether a player with limited Premier League experience can immediately adjust to its intensity. That said, Sevilla’s pressing structure and competitive league background provide a solid foundation for adaptation.

If the club can secure him for a figure near the quoted release clause, this deal could represent both a shrewd financial and footballing decision. For a side in need of renewal, Agoume looks a player who could grow into the role rather than simply fill it.