Manchester United has officially finalized the acquisition of one of Europe’s most coveted players for a reported £50 million. After several weeks of negotiations, the agreement is complete, with the player set to sign a five-year contract. A medical examination is scheduled for today to conclude the transfer.
Throughout the summer transfer period, Manchester United has been actively seeking a new defensive midfielder. Although there were early suggestions that the club might look to replace Casemiro, it now seems the seasoned Brazilian will stay at Old Trafford, having begun the season in strong form.
Even though Casemiro continues to perform well, Manchester United aims to prepare for the future by recruiting a younger defensive midfielder. Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte has been frequently mentioned as a target. The Uruguayan midfielder is reportedly keen on moving to Manchester United, but negotiations with PSG have been tough. Despite PSG not considering Ugarte for their long-term plans, the French team has made it difficult for United to secure him, leading them to explore other possibilities.
One such possibility is Ederson, a 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder currently playing for Atalanta in Serie A. Priced around £46.8 million, Ederson has emerged as a strong candidate for Manchester United’s defensive midfield role, thanks to his impressive performances with Atalanta, particularly in their successful Europa League campaign.
Ederson could be a particularly good fit for Manchester United due to his Brazilian background, which would ease his integration into the squad alongside compatriots Casemiro and Antony. At 25, Ederson has the experience needed for the Premier League while still having room for development.
While Ugarte might offer higher potential in the long term, Ederson could make a more immediate impact. If Casemiro stays, United might lean towards Ugarte for future development under Casemiro’s mentorship. However, if Casemiro leaves, Ederson would be a fitting choice to step into a starting role right away. The final decision will depend on Casemiro’s future and whether the club prioritizes immediate impact or long-term potential.