Manchester United Eye Sevilla Star Lucien Agoume After Walking Away From Baleba Deal
With Brighton refusing to lower their £120m asking price for Carlos Baleba, Manchester United could turn to Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume as a cheaper midfield solution
Manchester United’s search for a new holding midfielder has taken another twist, with Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume now emerging as a realistic option. The 22-year-old Frenchman has been added to the shortlist as the Red Devils continue to seek affordable alternatives to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, whose sky-high price has proven too much.
United have already spent £200 million this summer on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, which has left little room for another nine-figure signing. Brighton, however, are holding firm on their valuation of Baleba, reportedly demanding close to £120m for the 21-year-old midfielder. With Financial Fair Play and Profit & Sustainability Rules in mind, United are now exploring cheaper options.
Agoume: The Cheaper Answer?
Reports in Spain suggest that Sevilla’s Agoume could be available for less than his £35m release clause, making him a far more realistic target. The French midfielder only joined Sevilla from Inter Milan in 2024 in a cut-price deal, but he quickly became a key player for the La Liga side.
Agoume featured heavily last season, helping Sevilla narrowly avoid relegation from La Liga, and his stock has continued to rise after impressing for France’s Under-21 team at the European Championships. He captained his side in one of their games and showed strong leadership qualities despite his young age.
At just 22, he fits the profile of the kind of player United want to bring in: energetic, composed on the ball, and still with plenty of room to develop.
Other Midfield Options
Agoume is not the only name being discussed at Old Trafford. Earlier this week, reports linked United with Sporting Lisbon captain Morten Hjulmand and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Hjulmand, 26, is well known to manager Ruben Amorim, having captained his Sporting side during their title-winning campaigns in Portugal. However, Sporting want a hefty fee, with suggestions that it could take around £50m to tempt them to sell.
Wharton, meanwhile, is one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League, but Crystal Palace will be reluctant to let him go. With Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi already attracting big offers from Liverpool and Tottenham, Palace may dig their heels in over the 21-year-old midfielder.
United’s Transfer Balancing Act
While Amorim has publicly claimed he is “happy with the players” he already has in midfield—such as Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Manuel Ugarte—it is no secret that United want more depth. Casemiro, now 33, struggled with form and fitness last season, while Ugarte is still adapting to the Premier League.
Much could depend on outgoing transfers. Marcus Rashford and Toby Collyer have already gone out on loan, but United are still trying to move on Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund to raise funds. Garnacho has been in talks with Chelsea, though the two clubs are far apart on a valuation.
There’s also uncertainty between the posts. Reports continue to link United with Gianluigi Donnarumma, but a move for the Italian could only happen if Andre Onana is sold. Inter Milan, Onana’s former club, are said to be interested in taking him back.
