Manchester United may only have one midfielder option in the January transfer window! Their three main targets are hard to acquire, either too expensive or not good enough.

Manchester United aims to add at least one midfielder in 2026, with Ruben Amorim eager to buy as early as the January window, but the choices are few. Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher stands out as a possible target they could acquire.

Fabrizio Romano, the Italian transfer specialist, confirmed that Manchester United is still contemplating the possibility of signing this English midfielder. After signing Cunha, Mbemo, and Sesko this summer, the club tried to loan Gallagher but was rejected by Atlético Madrid.

Amorim clearly lacks confidence in Kobe Meno, and Ugarte, who previously worked with him at Sporting Lisbon, has not yet shown his full potential since joining Manchester United. Midfield reinforcements have become the club’s top priority for next year’s signings.

However, Romano emphasized that finding the right player in January will be very difficult. They can’t just buy anyone, as it would affect future transfers. If it’s a short-term addition, a loan could be an option. Under Ten Hag, Manchester United loaned Sabitzer and Amrabat but ultimately did not complete permanent deals.

Romano said: “Gallagher might be an opportunity; Atlético Madrid did not want to let him go in August. So let’s see what happens in the January transfer window. Manchester United also admire Angelo Stiller from Stuttgart, but I believe the Bundesliga club won’t sell any key players in January. So buying in winter won’t be easy; the situation might change next summer. What’s certain is that Manchester United will make signings again in 2026, at least one midfielder.”

Although Gallagher plays in La Liga, he has Premier League experience from Chelsea and Crystal Palace. Another advantage is his willingness to move; this England international earning £200,000 per week is no longer a starter at Atlético. He played only about ten minutes in the last La Liga match and is eager to transfer to participate in next summer’s World Cup.

The 25-year-old Gallagher has started only twice in 12 games this season and played 339 minutes, which led to his exclusion from the England squad by Tuchel. His last call-up for the “Three Lions” was in June, and if he stays at Atlético in the second half of the season, he might miss the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Gallagher’s versatility is another asset; he can also play on the midfield flanks. If he joins early, it would help Manchester United’s squad options during the Africa Cup of Nations, when wingers Mbemo, Amad Diallo, and Mazraoui will all be away on international duty.

Most other players on Manchester United’s shortlist are unlikely to transfer in January. Their top summer target Carlos Baleba has struggled since a failed move, often substituted early this season and in poor form. Amorim is unlikely to sign him as he would offer limited benefit to the team.

Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is in good form, but the club refuses to sell mid-season to avoid relegation unless Manchester United pays over £80 million. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos is unlikely to provide such a large budget in January.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Walton has been consistent, but his gentleman’s agreement with the club states that if contract renewal talks fail, he will move next summer. According to English media outlet GIVEMESPORT, contract negotiations between Palace and Walton are ongoing.

Romano confirmed that the 21-year-old English midfielder is very grounded and currently feels Crystal Palace is the best place for his development. Whether Walton will demand a release clause in his contract to facilitate a future move to a top club is something to watch closely.

Romano explained: “Crystal Palace are actively working on extending his contract. The club has communicated multiple times with his agent, expressing their desire to keep him. We have to wait and see the final outcome because this young player showed great professionalism last summer when he actually had chances to leave, but Palace insisted he was indispensable. Despite many transfer rumors in recent months, he has continued to perform excellently.”

The likelihood of Walton transferring next summer remains high. Romano elaborated: “Crystal Palace are very satisfied with Walton, and the player is happy with the club. He understands that Palace is probably the best place for his growth right now. However, by next summer, anything could happen; if a better opportunity arises or a lucrative offer comes, we will have to wait and see. Currently, Palace wants to renew his contract, but talks are still in the early stages and no agreement has been finalized.”