Manchester United Transfer Map: Emi Martinez in Talks, Baleba Update, Antony Exit Option

With manager Ruben Amorim determined to bolster his team, Manchester United is preparing for a busy last day of the summer transfer window. At least one goalkeeper signing is expected before the deadline, while United will also look to offload unwanted stars Antony and Jadon Sancho.

The window has already seen Manchester United spend heavily — most notably £73.7m on striker Benjamin Šeško — but glaring squad issues remain, particularly in goal and midfield.

Goalkeeper Search Accelerates

United’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper has become urgent after a poor start to the season. Both André Onana and Altay Bayındır have committed costly errors in the opening four games, leaving Amorim with little choice but to push for reinforcements.

Talks are advancing on two fronts:

Emi Martínez (Aston Villa) – The World Cup-winning Argentine has been a long-term target, with links dating back to the end of last season. Martínez was left out of Villa’s squad against Crystal Palace, further fueling speculation. United are believed to have agreed personal terms with the 32-year-old, though Villa are holding out for a fee of around £40m.

Senne Lammens (Royal Antwerp) – Seen as a cheaper, developmental option, the 22-year-old Belgian comes with a reported price tag of £17m. While not as experienced as Martínez, he would offer Amorim an alternative to the struggling Onana and Bayındır.

Manchester United had also been linked with Gianluigi Donnarumma earlier in the summer, but that trail has gone cold, leaving Martínez and Lammens as the likeliest additions.

Midfield on Hold – Carlos Baleba Pursuit Delayed

For much of the summer, United were monitoring Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. The 20-year-old has been valued at £100m, a figure that has so far deterred United from making a formal bid.

Although intermediaries reportedly sounded out Brighton about potential terms, senior figures at Old Trafford now view a deadline-day move as “highly unlikely”. Instead, United could revisit the deal next year, with Baleba remaining firmly on their radar as the midfield rebuild continues.

Outgoings – Antony and Sancho Still in Limbo

Two high-profile wingers remain firmly on the exit list:

• Antony – Manchester United accepted a permanent bid from Real Betis over the weekend, but the move collapsed when Betis admitted they could not afford the transfer fee or Antony’s wages. While time is running out in the European market, there remains a slim possibility of compromise before the window closes.
• Jadon Sancho – The England international looks less likely to leave today. His wages and personal demands have deterred suitors, leaving United in a difficult position. However, the winger may yet move abroad, with the Saudi Pro League (window closes Sept 10) and Turkish Süper Lig (closes Sept 12) offering extended opportunities.

What to Expect on Deadline Day

At least one goalkeeper signing is highly probable – with Martínez the priority, though Lammens remains a serious option.

No midfield reinforcement expected despite earlier links with Baleba.

Outgoings remain fluid, with Antony’s situation more active than Sancho’s.

For Amorim, today could prove decisive in shaping United’s season. With the team already under pressure after a mixed start to the campaign, much will depend on how successful United are in addressing their glaring issues before the window slams shut.