Following growing transfer activity connected with Crickex Sign Up coverage across European football, Manchester United are reportedly preparing a major midfield rebuild ahead of next season. With increasing confidence surrounding the club’s long-term managerial direction, the focus has now shifted toward strengthening weak areas within the squad. Defensive midfield remains the most urgent concern, especially with uncertainty continuing around the future of veteran Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
United’s preferred midfield target has long been Elliot Anderson, but competition for the player has become fierce. His valuation has reportedly climbed to an enormous £125 million, while there are also claims that the player favors a move toward rivals Manchester City instead. Another admired option is Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United, though his transfer cost could also rise close to £100 million. With prices soaring everywhere, attention has naturally turned toward more affordable opportunities that still offer immediate quality.
That situation has brought Éderson of Atalanta back into the spotlight. The Brazilian midfielder had previously reached a verbal agreement with Atlético Madrid, but negotiations collapsed after the clubs failed to agree on a transfer fee. Atlético reportedly refused to go beyond €30 million, while Atalanta continued demanding significantly more for one of their key midfielders.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano later confirmed that the deal had broken down entirely. Since then, both Manchester United and another unnamed Premier League side have emerged as serious contenders for his signature.
Because Éderson’s contract has only one year remaining, Atalanta are reportedly asking for around £39 million, equivalent to roughly €45 million. Compared to many inflated modern transfer fees, United reportedly view that number as relatively reasonable. During the current campaign, the Brazilian midfielder has made 39 appearances across all competitions, contributing two goals and one assist while maintaining a strong physical presence in midfield battles.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly willing to invest approximately £150 million into signing three new midfielders this summer. The strategy is believed to involve one elite signing around the £80 million level, another near £50 million, and a more affordable addition closer to £20 million. Under that structure, Éderson fits naturally into the middle category.
His salary demands make the deal even more attractive. Reports suggest his current wages reach only around €3.2 million annually, while United are prepared to offer roughly €4.5 million per year. By Premier League standards, that would equal around £75,000 per week before bonuses, an unusually affordable figure for a proven Serie A midfielder entering his prime years. With performance-related bonuses included, the full package could reportedly rise to around £140,000 weekly.
Earlier in his career, Éderson was frequently viewed as a potential long-term successor to Casemiro for the Brazilian national team. Although he never fully reached the superstar expectations attached to that label, his consistency and tactical intelligence still make him a highly respected option. One lingering concern involves his lack of direct Premier League experience, especially since Ratcliffe has often preferred players already familiar with English football.
Still, exceptions always exist. New striker Benjamin Šeško arrived without Premier League experience and still managed to become the club’s top scorer this season. Sometimes talent adapts faster than expected once given the proper environment and responsibility.
United’s previous dealings with Atalanta also provide an interesting backdrop. The club previously signed both Amad Diallo and Rasmus Højlund from the Italian side. Amad remains part of the current squad, though his recent performances have dipped. Højlund, meanwhile, returned to Napoli and has rediscovered his best form under Antonio Conte. Across all competitions this season, he has already delivered 14 goals and 6 assists while looking far sharper than during his spell at Old Trafford.
Ironically, Højlund’s resurgence could help finance United’s next midfield addition. Napoli are reportedly prepared to pay around €44 million for the striker permanently, a fee that would almost completely cover the cost of signing Éderson from Atalanta.
Another Brazilian midfielder currently linked with the club is Danilo of Botafogo. Recently selected by Carlo Ancelotti for the Brazilian national team and already experienced in English football through his time with Nottingham Forest, Danilo is reportedly valued at around £35 million.
As transfer plans continue evolving ahead of the summer window, supporters following developments alongside Crickex Sign Up updates are watching closely to see whether United finally secure the midfield rebuild the squad has needed for several seasons.