![\"Quinten](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_GettyImages-2228719744.jpg\")
Quinten Timber could offer a solution in midfield for Manchester United.(Image: Hans van der Valk\/BSR Agency\/Getty Images.)<\/p>\nMan United are desperate to sign a midfielder ahead of the transfer window slamming shut – but financing a deal for Carlos Baleba could be a bridge too far.<\/p>\n
George is a Senior Football Writer for the Manchester Evening News, mostly covering Manchester United. He previously worked for football.london before joining the MEN team in July 2021. As well as covering United, George is a Championship-enthusiast and co-hosts The Championship Chat Podcast (@Champchatpod24), which you can find on all major podcast platforms.<\/p>\n
Quinten Timber could offer a solution in midfield for Manchester United.(Image: Hans van der Valk\/BSR Agency\/Getty Images.)<\/p>\n
After spending almost \u00a3200million already this summer, it remains to be seen just how deep Manchester United’s pockets really are.<\/p>\n
Following a forgettable 2024\/25 campaign, United<\/a> have been left with no choice but to spend big in this summer’s transfer market to improve head coach Ruben Amorim’s squad.<\/p>\n Diego Leon has arrived from Cerro Porteno for \u00a33.3m, Matheus Cunha<\/a> has joined the club from Wolves for \u00a362.5m, Bryan Mbeumo has checked in from Brentford for \u00a365m and Benjamin Sesko <\/a>has arrived from RB Leipzig for \u00a366.4m.<\/p>\n Considering United are yet to oversee a single sale this summer, it is fair to say they have done pretty well. And there is still a thirst for more additions.<\/p>\n With just over two weeks of the window remaining, United still want to sign a midfielder and possibly a goalkeeper. Their midfield has been a problem position for many years and they are still on the hunt for a long-term solution.<\/p>\n Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a343<\/p>\n \u00a335<\/p>\n Sky<\/p>\n Get Sky Sports here<\/a><\/p>\n Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports<\/a> bundle ahead of the 2025\/26 season, saving members \u00a3192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.<\/p>\n Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.<\/p>\n It has been well-documented recently that Brighton & Hove Albion ace Carlos Baleba has attracted United’s attention. The Cameroonian has made rapid progress since joining the Seagulls from Lille two years ago, establishing himself as one of the most highly-rated midfielders in the business.<\/p>\n Capable of providing plenty of energy, winning the ball back, driving forward with the ball and offering a varied passing range, Baleba ticks a plethora of boxes. United need a midfielder who is capable of doing a little bit of everything in the engine room.<\/p>\n Brighton, of course, are the masters of finding hidden gems, developing them and selling them on for a handsome profit. It is a sustainable model that consistently delivers results.<\/p>\n In Baleba, the Seagulls believe they have discovered the real deal. He has been excellent since joining the club in August 2023, so much so some reports have claimed Brighton will demand north of \u00a3100m to consider selling him this summer.<\/p>\n Although United could still bring in a percentage of the reported fee Brighton are set to demand via player sales, amid their hunger to sell Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho<\/a> and Antony before the deadline, it feels unlikely the club will be able to meet the Seagulls’ demands.<\/p>\n Despite the increasing probability that Garnacho will join Chelsea, no club has stepped forward with an offer to sign Malacia, Sancho or Antony on a permanent basis. Sancho and Antony both look increasingly likely to leave on loan instead.<\/p>\n With that in mind, United might have to look elsewhere for a suitable midfielder. Although the Reds have preferred to try and target Premier League proven players this summer, there is still a chance they could explore the overseas market.<\/p>\n And one option they could turn to is Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber. The Dutchman has less than a year remaining on his existing contract, meaning the Eredivisie outfit could be open to a cut-price sale.<\/p>\n Timber, whose twin brother, Jurrien, plays for Arsenal, has a similar profile to Baleba in the sense he is a dynamic midfield operator, capable of getting on the ball in the centre of the park and driving his team up the pitch. He is also press resistant and can have an impact in both defensive and offensive situations.<\/p>\n United lack a sense of mobility in midfield, particularly in possession, and Timber can provide that trait. The 24-year-old is renowned for his energy output and ability to drive forward with the ball at his feet.<\/p>\n However, his recent injury record will generate cause for concern. He suffered a serious knee injury in February and that forced him to miss the remainder of the 2024\/25 season, meaning he finished last season with just 26 appearances to his name.<\/p>\n Timber previously suffered from a knee problem during the 2022\/23 campaign, forcing him to miss around two months worth of action in the second half of the campaign. With a knee issue threatening to become a familiar problem for the Dutchman, that will be something for prospective suitors to bear in mind.<\/p>\n But if he can remain fit, just as he did for the vast majority of the 2023\/24 season, there is an exciting player waiting to go up through the gears. In addition to being a brilliant ball carrier, Timber can also flex his muscles in attacking sense, highlighted by his tally of 18 goals and 13 assists for Feyenoord.<\/p>\n With Baleba set to cost an arm and a leg, Timber could be a cheaper alternative to consider.<\/p>\n Man United’s 2025\/26 Third Shirt<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a385<\/p>\n Fanatics<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Carlos](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_GettyImages-2209932219.jpg\")
Carlos Baleba is destined for a very bright future.(Image: Charlie Crowhurst\/Getty Images.)<\/p>\n![\"Quinten](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_GettyImages-2229031874.jpg\")
Quinten Timber is being linked with an exit from Feyenoord.(Image: Marcel van Dorst\/EYE4images\/NurPhoto via Getty Images.)<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754995218_382_0_Untitledjpeg.jpg\")
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