Manchester United Target Bradley Locko as Left-Back Solution
Manchester United’s search for a new left-back is heading into the final stretch of the window – and Bradley Locko has stepped into the frame.
The Brest defender is willing to join United and link up with Michael Carrick’s squad, according to journalist Dylan McBennett, as the club accelerates plans to strengthen on the left side of defence before next week’s deadline.
United cool on Balde, turn to “solutions”
United have looked high up the market. Fabrizio Romano revealed that the club sounded out a move for Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, even holding a call with super-agent Jorge Mendes about a potential deal.
Then reality bit.
INEOS deemed the overall package for Balde – both fee and wages – too expensive. The numbers didn’t work, not for this window.
On his YouTube channel, Romano outlined the situation, stressing that United “are still looking for a solution at left-back” and are actively working to bring one in before the window shuts. He compared the type of deal they are exploring to the loan signing of Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham – not necessarily the same profile, but that level of experienced, ready-made left-back who can compete immediately and has an international profile.
The message was clear: United want reliability, not a galáctico. And they want it now.
Locko among those keen on Old Trafford switch
Into that context comes Locko.
McBennett reported on X that the 24-year-old Frenchman is “among names that would be open to joining the club before the transfer deadline” if United push ahead with a move. He added that Locko is one of “numerous left-backs with desire to join United this summer.”
For a player whose career has been built steadily rather than spectacularly, the chance to move from Brest to Old Trafford would be a major leap.
Locko joined Brest in 2023 and is tied down there until 2027, a contract that gives the Ligue 1 club a strong hand in any negotiations. He has made 67 appearances in all competitions for Brest, contributing five assists from left-back – numbers that point to a defender who can offer width and delivery, even if he is not yet a headline name.
A late-window call for United
Romano expects United to act: left-back is “expected to be an area” they address before the deadline, and all signals from inside the club point the same way. The question now is which name they pull the trigger on.
Balde would have been the statement signing. Locko, and others like him on the shortlist, represent something different: a pragmatic, plug-and-play solution for a squad that needs depth and competition more than it needs another marquee saga.
With only days left in the window, United’s decision at left-back will say a lot about how INEOS intend to build – and how quickly Carrick gets the tools he needs.
