The Red Devils are expected to enter the January transfer window prioritising a new holding midfielder someone capable of replacing Casemiro long term, while also complementing Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
Anderson remains a key target, but with Forest valuing him at over £100m, and after United already spent more than £170m in the summer, such a fee is considered unrealistic for January.
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is another player on the shortlist, but he also comes with a nine-figure price tag. This means United must look toward cheaper yet effective alternatives.
NEC Star Kodai Sano Emerges as a Perfect Fit
After comparing Anderson’s numbers using Data MB’s player comparison tool, NEC Nijmegen midfielder Kodai Sano emerged as a statistically similar — and in some areas superior — option.
The 22-year-old Japan international matches Anderson in passing accuracy, ball progression, dribbling efficiency, and even surpasses him in ball-winning metrics. That profile fits perfectly with United’s search for a technically secure, ball-winning midfielder.
Sano joined NEC in 2023 from Fagiano Okayama and has since made 71 appearances, scoring 10 goals and adding six assists. With a current market value around £5m, he could realistically be available for under £10m this January — a fraction of Anderson’s cost.
A Smart, PSR-Friendly Deal for Manchester United
Given Premier League PSR restrictions and United’s already massive wage bill — the second-highest in the league — pursuing affordable, high-upside players like Sano could be the smartest strategy for the club moving forward.
If developed correctly, the young Japanese midfielder could feasibly reach or even exceed the level of Anderson, making him a potentially shrewd signing for new boss Ruben Amorim.
Source: Data MB player comparison tool
Read more:
Man Utd Transfer News |
Man Utd Midfield Updates |
January Transfer Window
