Manchester United are planning a significant midfield revamp this summer, with 19-year-old Olympiacos prospect Christos Muzakitis emerging as a target for the Red Devils. According to Sky Sports, the versatile midfielder is regarded as a high-potential talent, while Brighton’s Cameroonian international Carlos Baleba remains United’s “primary target”.
Muzakitis has quietly risen through the ranks this season in the Greek Super League, earning praise from youth development experts as a modern midfielder blending athleticism with decision-making. A native of Athens, he joined the youth academy at age seven and made his senior debut for the Greek national team at 17, becoming one of the country’s youngest-ever internationals. Technically, he can drop deep to orchestrate play or push forward as an attacking No. 8, using his vision and through-balls to transition between defense and attack. His style has drawn comparisons to PSG legend Marco Verratti and Croatian star Luka Modric. Olympiacos value him at around £26 million.
United’s midfield rebuild strategy involves signing two established midfielders. If Manuel Ugarte finds a new club, the club will also add a young prospect. Aside from Muzakitis, 18-year-old Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi is also on the list, with a potential price tag of up to £50 million. As for Baleba, United had already reached a personal agreement with the player last summer, but Brighton refused to negotiate. Over the past 12 months, the Red Devils have maintained close contact with Baleba’s camp, even exploring a potential January move. Sources indicate that Ineos wants “the deal completed before the 2026 World Cup” to allow the player a full preseason — though Cameroon failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament.
Sky Sports analysis suggests that if Ugarte departs, United could sign either Muzakitis or Bouaddi, along with an experienced midfielder like Baleba (or, for example, Elliot Anderson), creating competition with Kobbie Mainoo. This would represent a comprehensive overhaul of a stagnant midfield.
