As the dust settles following a dramatic International break, Ruben Amorim is deep in preparations for the latest Premier League chapter between Manchester United and Everton.
Central to his plans is a fit and healthy squad, with his forward line already weakened by Benjamin Sesko’s injury, which is expected to keep him out for a month.
If this is indeed the case, the Slovenian could miss up to six fixtures during a typically congested Christmas period.
Furthermore, with the impending departure of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad for the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim’s attacking options are set to feel the full force of a challenging couple of months.
It is, therefore, no surprise to see a renewed focus on the January transfer window, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the 20-time English champions are on the hunt for a versatile option in the final third.
“Man United are looking at that kind of player, so a player who can play as a winger, as a number 10 – let’s say, behind the striker and be electric, be skillful, being talented, being fast,” Romano stated on his YouTube channel.
Given the cost of an elite option and the importance of ensuring a smooth blend of talent and mentality, Ineos officials are eager to maintain the calculated transfer plan they have pursued to date.
Dortmund star could supply the solution for Manchester United
At 23, Karim Adeyemi has attracted the attention of some of European football’s elites with a brand of attacking flair and bravado beyond his years.
Since arriving at Borussia Dortmund in 2022 from Red Bull Salzburg, the Munich native has captivated the Bundesliga audience, ensuring an inevitable passage onto the International stage with Germany.
His versatility is an undeniable attraction, with Adeyemi comfortable in any role across the forward line and meeting the criteria Romano outlined in abundance.
Still, although United retain an interest in the player, they have yet to make a move.
“In this moment, Man United are not negotiating for Karim Adeyemi,” the Italian journalist stated. “Man United have not made any approach on player or club side. At the moment, nothing really concrete or serious into it.”
| Karim Adeyemi career figures | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Centre forward | 130 | 67 | 35 |
| Left winger | 59 | 19 | 15 |
| Right winger | 49 | 9 | 7 |
| Second striker | 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Attacking midfielder | 5 | 1 | 1 |
Say what you will about the uncertainty of settling within the rigorous demands of the Premier League, but this is a potential attacking marvel, with the capacity to grow into one of the greatest players in world football.
United are interested, and rightfully so, but they will have to compete with a plethora of rivals and an expectedly inflated transfer fee.
Would he be worth it? I’ll let you make up your own mind there.
Could Ineos continue with the tried-and-tested?
The uncertainty of success with mega-money transfers is a worrying conversation, particularly with the shadow of the Profit and Sustainability Rules forever looming large.
While there is no specific figure to tempt Dortmund as of yet, Bournemouth are braced for offers for their prized asset, Antoine Semenyo, with a limited-time release clause worth £65 million in his contract.
Blessed with an array of pace, trickery, and finishing ability, the Ghana international continues to grow from strength to strength in England’s top tier, showcasing his talents to an adoring audience weekly.
Like Adeyemi, Semenyo’s versatility is invaluable, with a calmness across every attacking role. Furthermore, his capabilities as a left-sided wing-back enhance his allure for Amorim’s contemporary philosophy.
| Premier League progression | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | 2025-25 |
| Appearances | 11 | 33 | 37 | 11 |
| Goals | 1 | 8 | 11 | 6 |
| Assists | 0 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
Similar to Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo, his familiarity with domestic surroundings offers an undeniable incentive for Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, and we have yet to witness his peak powers.
Sources close to the Theatre of Red have long expressed interest within Old Trafford. After spending time with figures around the current first-team squad, there is a shared belief in his ability to positively affect this Ineos project.
Amorim could be tempted to move towards the familiar
Often referred to as the natural replacement for Bruno Fernandes in their native Portugal, Pedro Goncalves is a name synonymous with the Sporting faithful.
With 154 goal contributions (91G, 63A) in 215 appearances for the Portuguese champions, alongside a flamboyant and technical playing style, it’s easy to understand why.
Known as a former star under Amorim, Goncalves has been closely monitored by United for several years, and our sources have regularly reported continued admiration in Carrington.
A heartbreaking Injury after only five domestic outings called a halt to his 2024-25 campaign, but fears of long-term damage have been swept aside, with the 26-year-old swiftly returning to his best.
Additionally, his comfort in lining out anywhere in the opposition half has long been a standout trait within his dynamic arsenal.
| Pedro Goncalves statistics 2025-26 | One goal contribution every 93 minutes played |
| Appearances | 17 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Minutes played | 1396 |
It’s easy to see why any of these three attackers would be sought after by the elite, and all could positively impact Amorim’s squad in support of Project 150.
Admittedly, nothing is ever guaranteed at the highest level of the game, and transitional times can vary for a variety of reasons.
But a return to European football is a crucial requirement for this football club, and a shrewd January acquisition could prove to be the difference maker.
Whether this one-time giant of the English game has the capacity to pull off a deal of this magnitude mid-season remains to be seen.
Who would you like to see arrive at Manchester United in January and why? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Photos by mrogowski_photography, vitaliivitleo, and operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com
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