- Man Utd in talks to sign Ederson
- Atalanta midfielder won’t be only midfield signing
- Reds need a complete overhaul in middle of the park
Manchester United will reportedly still look to make a marquee midfield signing despite the expected arrival of Ederson. The club are closing in on a deal for the Atalanta midfielder just ahead of the summer transfer window opening.
According to Steven Railston of the Manchester Evening News, Ederson could become the Reds’ first summer signing. He suggests that while the Brazilian is “definitely of interest” negotiations aren’t as advanced as claimed in Italy.
United’s move for the 26-year-old has concerned fans, who worry it will rule out a high-profile midfielder to replace Casemiro. That doesn’t appear to be the case if he does sign for the club.
Man Utd’s midfield plans
It is claimed that Ederson’s arrival isn’t expected to alter plans to sign a marquee replacement for Casemiro. The transfer chiefs’ top priority is to make a significant investment in bringing a worthy heir to Old Trafford.
Casemiro has been vital for United this season, and he has bid farewell after making his final appearance in a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest two weeks ago. His dominance in the middle of the park along with his knack for coming up with an important goal will be sorely missed.
The two main targets to replace the 34-year-old are Elliot Anderson and Aurelien Tchouameni. The Reds face “stiff competition” from Manchester City for the Nottingham Forest midfielder.
Tchouameni, meanwhile, is a dream signing but Real Madrid expect to keep him following the re-appointment of Jose Mourinho. Those two are viewed as difficult deals to complete so alternatives are being explored.
Mateus Fernandes isn’t one of them given he doesn’t have the defensive profile to replace Casemiro. But the West Ham United midfielder is on the club’s radar and he is set to leave the London Stadium after the Hammers suffered relegation.
Three is the magic number
United need three new midfielders this summer, even if they manage to sign either Anderson or Tchouameni. Replacing Casemiro is the bare minimum of a midfield overhaul that has long been needed.
An ideal transfer window ends with one of those two, Fernandes and Ederson joining the Red Devils. The club are thought to be keen on adding a new winger to Michael Carrick’s squad but that should be explored further down the line.
United have reportedly decided to sell Manuel Ugarte, and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that they have told the player of their decision. That only further strengthens the need to make major changes in the middle of the park and hand Kobbie Mainoo a world-class midfield partner.
