Manchester United are progressing on multiple midfield targets as they seek to overhaul that area of the pitch, with deals for Atalanta’s Ederson and Barcelona’s Casado appearing increasingly likely. The club are reportedly ‘very close’ to agreeing terms with Ederson, 24, with the player expected to undergo a medical in New York following Brazil’s involvement in the current international tournament.
The deal for the Brazilian midfielder is valued at €45 million, a fee agreed with Atalanta almost a month ago, beating competition from Atletico Madrid. Reports from Italy suggest the final formalities are now being completed, with signatures expected imminently. Ederson’s arrival would address a clear need for reinforcement in midfield following the departure of Casemiro and the inconsistent form of summer signings Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte.
Alongside the imminent capture of Ederson, United are also making headway in their pursuit of Barcelona’s Casado, 22. The club are said to have a strong relationship with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, potentially giving them an advantage over Atletico Madrid, who are also interested. Casado is expected to be a more affordable option than other targets, offering a potentially shrewd addition to Erik ten Hag’s squad.
United had also been monitoring West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, valued at £80 million, but it appears Real Madrid’s reluctance to meet that price tag has opened the door for United to focus their efforts elsewhere. According to TEAMtalk insider Fraser Fletcher, United’s opening offer for Fernandes will initiate negotiations, despite falling short of West Ham’s valuation. Fletcher believes a deal is still achievable, with a growing confidence that Fernandes could become the club’s second summer signing.
The pursuit of multiple midfielders underlines the scale of the rebuilding job underway at Old Trafford. Securing Ederson and Casado would represent significant steps towards strengthening the team’s central options and providing greater competition for places.
