Manchester United Ready to Activate Gueye Release Clause as Mainoo and Maguire Deals Near Completion

Manchester United have settled on triggering the release clause to bring Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye to Old Trafford this summer, according to reports emerging from Spain.

The 27-year-old Senegal international has caught the attention of United's recruitment team following his impressive showings in the African Cup of Nations, where he netted three times across six outings. His domestic form for Villarreal has been equally compelling, with four goals and two assists accumulated over 23 La Liga appearances this season.

Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Gueye has risen to become United's primary midfield target, with the club prepared to meet his contractual exit fee. Villarreal have set the midfielder's release clause at €45 million—equivalent to £39 million—which the report suggests will form the foundation for any approach.

"Manchester United's interest is no coincidence," the report states. "The Old Trafford club is looking to strengthen its midfield with a physical, dynamic player who has experience in demanding competitions. Pape Gueye meets all those requirements, which is why he has become one of the English club's top priorities."

While Gueye represents a notable prospect, United may ultimately favour established Premier League operators such as Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, or Adam Wharton. Nevertheless, the club are expected to recruit a minimum of two midfielders ahead of their Champions League return, with a winger and defender also on the agenda.

Alongside their pursuit of fresh talent, United have made significant strides in tying down existing squad members. Fabrizio Romano has revealed that contract extensions for both Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire are "almost done," with the club keen to wrap up negotiations before the season concludes.

Romano explained on his YouTube channel: "Manchester United with Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo returning from the national team are now prepared to accelerate and formally close both new contracts for the players before the World Cup. So this is the mission before the end of the season – sign everything with Kobbie Mainoo 2031 and with Harry Maguire to extend the contract for one more season, 2027 plus option 2028 club option."

He continued: "The negotiation is already very advanced with Kobbie Mainoo is almost done, with Maguire who will sign soon and so Man United plan to announce everything before the end of the season. This is the club's wish now working with the lawyers of the players with the camp of the players to sort everything but advancing very well for both Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire to be important parts of Manchester United project, not just this season but also for the future."