The summer transfer window looks set to be the biggest in Manchester United’s recent history, and their future success will depend on how they perform in the market.
The Red Devils are enjoying a good run in the Premier League, with Michael Carrick’s side currently sitting third in the division with seven games remaining.
The interim boss has certainly done a great job after taking over the reins from Ruben Amorim, but it remains to be seen whether he will take up the role permanently.
Whoever is chosen to lead the club in the 2026/27 season and beyond will have an extremely talented squad, with the first team in the best position for many years.
However, if they are to reach the next level and compete for titles, the hierarchy will desperately need to address growing issues in the midfield department.
Manchester United enter race to sign European star
A new central midfielder became crucial to the hierarchy this summer after Casemiro announced he would leave United at the end of his contract.
Countless players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali currently at the top of the shopping list.
The Italian is expected to leave the Magpies in the summer due to financial issues, in which case the Red Devils could approach a deal for him in the coming months.
However, the 25-year-old is not the only player currently on the shortlist, with Juventus’ Kefren Thuram being another star who is currently being highly praised.
According to Italy’s “Tutto Juve,” the French national team player, who has appeared in a total of 42 games in all competitions this season, is expected to receive “offers from abroad.”
According to the paper, United are expected to be in the race to sign him this summer, with Liverpool also thought to be interested in him.
It also confirms that the Italian team do not want to lose the 25-year-old during the off-season, but could be forced to make a cash move if an acceptable offer is made.
Why Thuram is an upgrade to Tonali
As mentioned above, Tonali is just one of the players United are considering ahead of the summer, but such a move could be costly.
The Magpies are said to be asking for a fee in the region of £80m for his contract, which would make it one of the richest deals in the Red Devils’ 148-year history.
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Many of their additions have not lived up to expectations.
Although he has the necessary experience in the Premier League, such a deal could prove too expensive, especially if multiple reinforcements are made in such areas.
As a result, signing Thuram is likely to prove to be the more realistic option, with the Juventus star potentially a perfect fit in United’s current squad.
Although he has not featured in England throughout his professional career, his stats in Italy highlight a number of qualities, many of which would be ideal for the Premier League.
Over the course of the ongoing campaign, the 25-year-old has completed 86% of his attempted passes, while creating 1.1 chances per 90 for his teammates.
Both of those aforementioned goals are higher than Tonali’s, which could arguably suggest he is a better option for United with the ball at his feet.
His dominance of the ball at his feet against the Newcastle star is reflected in his 61% dribble success rate and 2.4 touches per 90 in the opposition box.
Kefren Thuram – Serie A Statistics (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 28 |
goals and assists | 4 |
Pass accuracy | 86% |
An opportunity has arisen | 1.1 |
Dribbling completed | 61% |
Touch inside the 18 yard box | 2.4 |
won a duel | 55% |
shot taken | 1.8 |
Thuram’s talent in possession has led to much praise in recent months, with respected analyst Ben Mattinson labeling his qualities as “Pogba-esque” in 2024.
But the Juve star also dominated without the ball against Tonali, going on to double his tackles per 90 this season.
His other stats, including a 55% duel win rate and 1.8 shots per 90, highlight his all-round quality and could be a huge asset for the Red Devils at both ends of the pitch.
There is no doubt that Casemiro’s departure will leave a huge hole in the heart of United’s squad, and Thuram, who is talented both in attack and defence, is the perfect person to fill that hole.
It is unclear how much the Frenchman will cost to sign this summer, but he will certainly be a cheaper addition than Newcastle’s talented players.
At 25, he is at the perfect age to show quality right away, but also has the potential to develop further, which could make a huge contribution to the club’s chances of regaining title glory.
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He’s in great shape this season.
