Report: Manchester United to bid 50 million for World Cup midfield anchor, but club demands higher fee; signing Gomes has two advantages

After officially informing Atalanta of the cancellation of the £39 million deal for Ederson, Manchester United has begun contacting new targets, including Roma's French midfielder Khephren Thuram. Due to Real Madrid star Aurélien Tchouaméni's thigh injury absence, the 25-year-old Thuram has started in the last two World Cup knockout matches for France, attracting significant attention. The Athletic's authoritative David Ornstein confirmed: "Now, Manchester United are considering other midfielders, such as Thuram."

Thuram, partnering with Adrien Rabiot, who has previously been linked to United, helped France reach the World Cup semifinals, where they will face Spain for a spot in the final. Interestingly, all three midfielders under Didier Deschamps have been transfer targets for the Red Devils at various times, but neither Rabiot nor Tchouaméni actually joined, and Thuram's outcome will be closely watched.

Italian media previously reported that Premier League champions Arsenal had reached personal terms with Thuram, but now Mikel Arteta's primary target is Newcastle United's Brazilian international Bruno Guimarães, so they may not compete with United. Italy's La Repubblica claims that Manchester United has contacted Thuram's agent in recent days. It is reported that United is preparing a €50 million (£42.5 million) bid, but given Thuram's World Cup performances, his club Roma may demand a higher fee, with unspecified details suggesting it must be "above €50 million."

French legend Patrick Vieira praised Thuram, believing his technical ability surpasses that of Tchouaméni. "In my view, Thuram is the best midfielder in France right now. I think he is above Tchouaméni and Rabiot because of his ability to move fluidly on the pitch. He is aggressive, excellent at winning the ball, and can organize attacks. He can break through opponents and drive forward."

Furthermore, Thuram himself is eager to play in the Premier League, which aids United's pursuit. He previously rejected an offer from La Liga side Atlético Madrid, hoping to prove himself in English football, the world's most competitive league, where the salaries are also the most lucrative globally.

However, Thuram also has concerns, having suffered injuries at Roma, particularly hamstring issues. Last season, he missed games twice due to such problems, including a Grade 2 hamstring tear that sidelined him for about a month each time. Data shows that in the 2025/26 season, Thuram suffered five injuries, all muscle-related, causing him to miss a total of 75 days and 13 matches.

Moreover, even during his time at Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga, Thuram was frequently plagued by muscle problems and also missed over two months due to a knee injury. Vieira admitted: "He came to the World Cup with a few injuries, and last season was quite difficult for him."

Therefore, if Manchester United signs Thuram, the medical examination must be very thorough. In contrast, Premier League relegated side Wolverhampton Wanderers' Brazilian midfield anchor João Gomes certainly has no such concerns. Last season, the 25-year-old Gomes missed only three Premier League matches, including the home game against Manchester United.

Additionally, the price for United to sign Gomes is clearly referenced. Atlético Madrid was previously close to reaching a €45 million (£38 million) agreement, the same amount the Red Devils nearly paid for Ederson. Thus, United does not need extensive negotiations. Currently, Liverpool is also reportedly interested in Gomes.

Spain's AS did not include Gomes on Manchester United's shortlist. According to Eduardo Burgos, United's three-man list consists of Thuram, Alex Scott, and Ayyoub Bouaddi, with a plan to sign two of the three.