Media reports have been swirling since the morning suggesting Manchester United are close to completing their first midfield signing of the transfer window.
The Red Devils have reportedly agreed a five-year deal for Atalanta’s Ederson for a relatively low fee with personal terms not expected to be a problem.
There is a mixed feeling within the United fanbase regarding the persistent rumours, with some happy with INEOS’ proactiveness, while others are disappointed with the calibre of the signing.
It was expected that the co-owners would try to replicate their highly successful policy of signing Premier League-proven players from last summer.
Ederson talks premature
However, as relayed by The Peoples Person, the 20-time English league champions see the Brazilian as a market opportunity more than an elite capture, which suggests a bigger name may be in the works.
After all, United do need three midfielders and Ederson could be an astute purchase for the price point, someone who can ably replace Manuel Ugarte, who has been a major disappointment.
But Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that rumours of a deal being close to completion are all premature.
The truth is that United sent officials to Italy to discuss the possibility of signing multiple players, and one of them was the Brazilian.
Why Italian media are going crazy with Ederson updates
The identity of the other targets was not revealed, but it is clear that the Atalanta ace’s agent is doing most of the heavy lifting at this point.
“Ederson is putting himself on the market. Manchester United are considering several options in midfield, not only him. It’s a discussion.
“Why there is so many rumours coming out of Italy is because United have been on a mission in Italy to have conversations on different players. Ederson was just one conversation.”
United do hold an interest in the 26-year-old and may eventually land him this summer after failing to sign him last year. However, things are not as advanced as the Italian media would like to portray.
It will be interesting to see if INEOS go ahead with Ederson or switch to some other option like Morten Hjulmand, Sporting CP’s skipper, who is also a long-term target and keen to leave Portugal this summer.
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social