Michael Carrick's First Transfer Gamble? Man Utd Linked with Surprise Midfield Target

Michael Carrick is reportedly eyeing an unexpected addition to his midfield as Manchester United prepare for their return to the Champions League. Having already secured the signing of Atalanta's Ederson for a reported €45 million package set to go through in July, the Red Devils are now turning their attention to a far less heralded name: Lazio's Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. With Casemiro having departed on a free transfer and Manuel Ugarte expected to be sold, United's engine room needs reinforcements. Mason Mount's persistent injury issues since his €67.7 million move from Chelsea in 2023 have only added to the urgency. According to sources, the club wants to add at least one more midfielder—possibly two—depending on outgoings and market opportunities. However, instead of chasing a marquee name, United seem to be prioritising quantity over a single blockbuster deal, unwilling to splash €120 million or more on one player. Dele-Bashiru, a Nigeria international with 18 caps, emerged from Manchester City's academy without making a senior appearance. He later played 86 games for Sheffield Wednesday before moving to Turkey's Hatayspor. A loan to Napoli in 2024 was made permanent last summer for a total cost of €5.4 million (€2 million loan fee plus €3.4 million transfer fee). He has since been at Lazio, where he made just 11 Serie A starts in the 2025/26 season, disrupted by an early injury and the African Cup of Nations. With only two years left on his contract, the link may be driven by his agent's efforts to pressure Lazio into an extension. United technical director Jason Wilcox knows Dele-Bashiru from their shared time at Manchester City, which might explain the interest. Yet according to analytics firm SciSports, the 25-year-old falls well below the standard required for Old Trafford. His SciSkill rating is significantly lower than every current United midfielder, suggesting he would be a downgrade even on the departing Casemiro, Ugarte, or the struggling Mount. SciSports data even ranks Dele-Bashiru among the worst-performing midfielders in Serie A last season, casting serious doubt on the logic of such a move.