Man Utd ready to shake up midfield with £51m transfer deal | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Midfield Overhaul: Ederson the Answer?

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to splash £51 million on Atalanta’s Ederson as they look to reinforce their midfield this summer. With Casemiro potentially on the way out and Christian Eriksen’s contract expiring, fresh legs are needed. But is the Brazilian the ideal solution?

Ederson: A Versatile Midfield Option

Ederson has been instrumental in Atalanta’s success since his arrival in 2022. His ability to operate as a number six, eight, or ten makes him an appealing prospect for United’s evolving midfield.

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According to Calciomercato, Ederson is the club’s primary target, with United ‘willing’ to meet Atalanta’s £51m valuation. The Brazilian’s contract runs until 2027, giving the Serie A club a strong position in negotiations. Given his performances and adaptability, it’s easy to see why Manchester United are keen.

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The challenge, however, is convincing him to leave a Champions League-bound Atalanta for a United side still fighting for consistency. The lack of elite European football could be a sticking point.

Outgoings Could Dictate United’s Spending Power

United’s ability to spend big will hinge on player sales. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) and the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in play, significant outgoings are necessary to fund marquee signings.

Reports suggest that Casemiro’s £350,000-a-week wages are a financial burden United are eager to offload. Eriksen’s contract expiration presents another opportunity to revamp the midfield without further expenditure.

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There is also speculation about the sales of Antony and Marcus Rashford, with Aston Villa considering triggering a £40m clause for the latter. While highly unlikely, even rising stars Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have been mentioned in transfer discussions, though United are reluctant to part with either.

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Prioritising the Right Signings

United’s primary focus this summer remains securing a top-tier striker, according to TEAMtalk. Whether that leaves enough room for a £51m midfield acquisition is another question.

The club’s transfer policy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to be more measured than in previous years. Gone are the days of reckless spending without a long-term plan. If Ederson is indeed the answer, United must move smartly to ensure financial prudence doesn’t stand in the way of securing an essential piece of their midfield rebuild.

Ruben Amorim as manager could also influence this move. The United boss is renowned for dynamic, high-energy football, and Ederson’s all-action style would likely be a perfect fit.

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United fans will hope that, if the Brazilian arrives, he can provide the consistency and tenacity that Casemiro—despite flashes of brilliance—has failed to sustain in his Old Trafford spell.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The idea of signing Ederson will be exciting for United fans, a proper midfield engine—someone who can cover ground, break up play, and push forward when needed.

Casemiro’s experience has been valuable, but at £350,000 per week, it’s clear that the club must move on. Ederson brings energy, youth, and versatility—exactly what they need in the modern game.

Yes, there are financial constraints, but if they’re serious about competing at the top again, they must make moves like this. Ederson may not be a household name in England yet, but that’s precisely why this deal makes sense. He’s still developing, still hungry, and could be a massive upgrade in the long run.

If United manage to pair him with a world-class striker, United could finally build a spine that can challenge for trophies.