United eyeing January move for 19-yo Iniesta regen who idolises Luka Modric – report

Manchester United have stepped up their efforts to secure the signature of an emerging Greek midfielder in 2026. The Red Devils have identified the midfield as the position that requires immediate attention following a mixed start to the campaign. While United sit sixth in the Premier League table after 16 games, they have struggled for consistency so far. The attack has displayed marked improvements after the summer reinforcements but there remain concerns about the midfield. The Red Devils have preferred to target younger players of late and a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that they have set their sights on Christos Mouzakitis next. Olympiacos’ rising star Mouzakitis has shown matured beyond his years and at just 19 years of age, is already a first-team regular for Olympiacos. This season, the youngster, who idolises Luka Modric, has appeared 19 times in all competitions, starting 11 of them. Christos Mouzakitis Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Super League 112-22-715′ UEFA Champions League6—-364′ Kypello Elladas1—-59′ Total19-22-1,138′ Source: Transfermarkt. It appears increasingly likely that Kobbie Mainoo, who has struggled for game time under Ruben Amorim, could be on his way out in 2026. It now looks like the Red Devils are already preparing to upgrade their midfield at the turn of the year. United want Mouzakitis in January According to a report from Area Napoli, United are ready to take Mouzakitis to Old Trafford in January. Arsenal, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion are also eyeing the Greek international, while Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna wants him in the winter transfer window as well. It was previously believed that Olympiacos would demand at least €30 million for the teenager, who is under contract until 2029. However, the latest report adds that the Greek club would be willing to let him go for €25 million. The Red Devils have already scouted the player and have the finances to complete the transfer for the aforementioned fee. However, a previous report relayed by The Peoples Person states that Mouzakitis prefers a move to Real Madrid. Final Thoughts Already compared to Spainish legend Andres Iniesta, Mouzakitis looks destined for greatness. United have been on the lookout for such generational talents of late, and cannot afford to miss out on the teenager. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have operated in a two-man midfield this season, and both players are on the wrong side of 30. As such, Mouzakitis could have the chance to cement his place in the first XI should he agree to the move. However, Mainoo’s recent struggles at Old Trafford could make Mouzakitis sceptical about the move. Featured image Diogo Cardoso via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.