Old Trafford Eyeing McTominay Return Amid Premier League Transfer Scramble

Manchester United are reportedly weighing a significant move to re-sign former midfielder Scott McTominay, currently excelling at Napoli, as the January transfer window approaches. The potential Old Trafford reunion is set against a backdrop of intense Premier League transfer speculation, with Liverpool actively pursuing Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo and United also tracking Nottingham Forest’s highly-rated midfielder Elliot Anderson. These developments highlight a period of strategic re-evaluation for several top-flight clubs as they look to strengthen squads for the second half of the 2025-26 season.

Sources close to the situation indicate that Manchester United are seriously considering bringing the 28-year-old Scotland international back to Old Trafford. McTominay, who departed United for Napoli in a reported £25 million deal last year, has since undergone a remarkable transformation in Serie A. His tenure in Italy has been marked by a career-best spell, culminating in him winning the Most Valuable Player award last season as Napoli clinched the Scudetto. Under the tactical guidance of Antonio Conte, McTominay has been widely credited with reinventing his game, evolving into a pivotal figure in Napoli’s midfield, as noted by football analyst Gab Marcotti. This resurgence has not gone unnoticed, with Arsenal also reportedly sounding out a move for the midfielder, suggesting a bidding war could ensue next summer.

Beyond his club heroics, McTominay further boosted his profile this week by scoring a stunning overhead kick for Scotland, a goal instrumental in helping his national side qualify for their first World Cup finals since 1998. Such high-profile performances, coupled with his consistent club form, have driven his market value significantly upwards. Premier League clubs, including United and Arsenal, would reportedly need to table at least £70 million to secure his services next summer, reflecting a substantial increase from his initial transfer fee to Napoli. The potential pursuit of McTominay comes at a time when Manchester United are reportedly adopting a more considered approach to their transfer strategy, prioritizing value and suitability over marquee signings, a shift that has generated optimism around their dealings.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s transfer ambitions appear focused on strengthening their attacking options with a "seriously interested" stance on Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. The 25-year-old winger has been a standout performer for the Cherries this season, registering an impressive nine goal involvements in just 11 Premier League matches. Semenyo’s contract reportedly includes a £60 million release clause that becomes active in January, a figure that Liverpool appears willing to meet. Bournemouth, however, is keen to retain the Ghana international until June, when his release clause is set to drop to approximately £50 million. The ultimate decision on a mid-season transfer is likely to rest with Semenyo himself, who could become the subject of multiple offers. The Reds face competition from fellow Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, both of whom have also been linked with the prolific wide player.

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Manchester United’s midfield restructuring efforts extend beyond McTominay, with the club reportedly tracking Nottingham Forest’s 23-year-old midfielder Elliot Anderson. United view Anderson as a potential long-term successor to Brazilian veteran Casemiro, who is widely expected to depart Old Trafford next summer. Casemiro, 33, has experienced a mixed spell at United since his arrival, and a move away would free up significant wage budget and squad space. Anderson, an England international, has emerged as a standout performer for Nottingham Forest this season, cementing his status as a regular starter for the national team under manager Thomas Tuchel. His burgeoning reputation and consistent displays have led to a valuation reportedly hovering around the £100 million mark. Liverpool and Newcastle United are also understood to be monitoring Anderson’s situation, indicating a competitive race for his signature if Forest decides to sell.

In other significant transfer news, Inter Milan are reportedly eyeing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez for a January move. Doubts have arisen over the long-term future of Inter’s current shot-stopper, Yann Sommer, potentially opening the door for the Argentine World Cup winner. Martínez, 33, was heavily linked with a move away from Villa last summer, with Manchester United among the interested parties, though a transfer ultimately failed to materialize. Villa are understood to be open to sanctioning a mid-season exit for Martínez, provided a suitable replacement can be secured before the window closes.

Across Europe, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly in concrete pursuit of Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat. The Belgian giants are holding out for a transfer fee of around €25 million for the 20-year-old, who remains under contract until the summer of 2027. De Cat has made 14 league appearances for Anderlecht this season, scoring once, and has also earned four caps for Belgium’s under-18 national team. Bayer Leverkusen are also believed to be in the race for the promising youngster, highlighting the strong interest from Germany’s top clubs.

Further transfer whispers indicate a potential battle for Liverpool’s 15-year-old youth winger, Joshua Abe, with Arsenal and Chelsea both reportedly pursuing the highly-rated prospect. In Spain, Real Madrid and defender Antonio Rüdiger remain open to extending his contract beyond 2026, though interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and a potential return to the Premier League are said to remain strong for the 32-year-old Germany international.

Aston Villa’s squad could see changes, with Harvey Elliott, 22, on loan from Liverpool, potentially moving again in January. Despite his talent, Elliott has played just 97 minutes of Premier League football for Villa this season, leading to interest from clubs in the Bundesliga and Serie A for a potential new loan or permanent deal. Bayern Munich has also reportedly enquired about Nantes defender Tylel Tati, with a reported valuation of €50 million.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to have "zeroed in" on Porto forward Samu Aghehowa, with manager Thomas Frank reportedly viewing the 24-year-old as an ideal profile for his attacking setup. Sunderland have reportedly reopened talks to secure Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi in January, while Crystal Palace defender Chadi Riad could be set for a loan move to regain match fitness. The Eagles are also reportedly looking to cut short the loan of Getafe forward Christantus Uche, 22, who has featured for only eight minutes in the Premier League this season since joining on a season-long deal. As the January window draws closer, clubs across Europe are actively assessing their options to fine-tune their squads for the challenges ahead.