Manchester United are reportedly set to make three midfield signings, with deals for Ederson and Andrey Santos agreed and another midfielder set to follow through the door
Manchester United are losing no time in the transfer market as they continue rebuilding their squad ahead of the new campaign. With Michael Carrick’s permanent tenure now in motion, the emphasis is on creating momentum before the Premier League season kicks off next month.
After making defensive and attacking reinforcements their priority over the past two seasons, United’s focus has now turned to midfield. Casemiro’s exit has created a substantial gap, while the futures of Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount remain in doubt, making further alterations in the engine room essential.
Though United have missed out on several primary targets – including Elliot Anderson, Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali – they are acting quickly to pinpoint alternatives. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Red Devils headlines.
Third midfield transfer identified
Despite reportedly securing moves for both Atalanta midfielder Ederson and Chelsea’s Andrey Santos in agreements worth a combined fee of approximately £85million, United’s midfield spending spree isn’t finished yet. Reports now suggest they are also keen on securing Manu Kone, who has been catching the eye at the World Cup for France.
The 25-year-old currently plies his trade at Roma, with the club reportedly prepared to entertain offers around the £50m mark for the player.
The Frenchman wasn’t among United’s priority targets at the summer’s outset, but given the eye-watering valuations of Premier League options such as Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton – coupled with Kone’s impressive World Cup displays – the club could be tempted to change direction.
Kone made the switch to Roma from Borussia Monchengladbach, initially arriving on loan in 2024 before securing a permanent transfer worth £15m in 2025. Should they command a fee close to the £50m bracket, they would more than treble their outlay after just one campaign in Serie A.
Ederson set for second medical
Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson is poised for his second medical examination with Manchester United doctors. The Red Devils reportedly struck a £35m agreement, plus £3.8m in add-ons, for the 27-year-old back in June, though confirmation of the transfer was delayed due to Ederson’s World Cup commitments.
However, with Brazil now knocked out, the midfielder is available to finalise the remaining formalities of his switch. It’s understood he underwent an initial medical examination in the United States while on international duty, but will complete his second assessment in the UK.
Ederson has reportedly signed a four-year contract at Old Trafford and is set to become the 11th Brazilian to wear the Man United jersey – unless, of course, Santos gets there first.