Manchester United have reportedly opened negotiations with Brighton and Hove Albion over a move for Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.
The 22-year-old joined Brighton from Swedish club AIK back in 2023 but initially found the physical demands of the Premier League difficult to handle in his early days.
Ayari was sent out on loan on a couple of occasions to gain regular playing time and accelerate his development as a professional footballer.
Those loan spells clearly paid off, as the midfielder returned to establish himself as a key starter for Brighton last season, contributing four goals and three assists across 32 appearances in all competitions.
He also played his part in helping Brighton qualify for next season’s Conference League, further cementing his reputation as a reliable performer at the top level.
Ayari’s club form has translated seamlessly onto the international stage, where he has nailed down a starting berth with the Swedish national team, helping his country reach the World Cup knockout stage.
He has been in particularly sharp form in the tournament, netting twice in three matches and drawing widespread attention from clubs across Europe.
Fichajes report that United have been impressed by the player’s rapid development and have already initiated formal negotiations with Brighton to progress a potential transfer this summer.
Brighton are well known for driving a hard bargain when it comes to selling their assets, though Ayari is entering the final year of his current contract, which may make the club more open to cashing in.
The Seagulls have historically operated as a selling club, and the prospect of losing Ayari on a free next summer could influence their stance in negotiations with United.
Ayari is a technically gifted midfielder capable of operating as a deep-lying playmaker or in a box-to-box role, and he can also provide cover in a more creative midfield position.
Revamping the midfield department is understood to be a key priority for Michael Carrick this summer, with United having already agreed a deal to sign Ederson to bolster that area of the pitch.
United had reportedly pursued Elliot Anderson as a second midfield addition, but Manchester City are said to have won that particular race, forcing the club to look at other options.
Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, though Tottenham Hotspur are pushing hard to secure that deal ahead of United.
Alex Scott had emerged as another option on Carrick’s radar, but AFC Bournemouth are said to have no intention of allowing the player to depart this window.
Ayari is valued at around £30m by Transfermarkt and represents what could be a shrewd piece of business for Carrick’s side if United are able to get a deal over the line.