Manchester United's summer transfer window is shaping up to be a busy one, with the club looking to strengthen their midfield and bring in new talent ahead of their return to the Champions League. The latest news from the Manchester Evening News' live blog reveals a host of potential moves, with a focus on central midfielders and a potential new goalkeeper.
Ederson Medical and Transfer
One of the most imminent deals is the transfer of Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta. The 26-year-old is set to undergo a medical while at the World Cup, with United having agreed a £35 million deal. This move is seen as a boost to United's midfield, addressing the lack of depth in that area last season. Ederson's arrival is expected to be followed by at least one more central midfielder, with Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes both on the radar.
Fernandes Boost and Competition
TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook claims that Fernandes is open to joining United, with personal terms not expected to be an issue. However, United faces competition from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain for his signature. The deal is reportedly being driven by Jason Wilcox and Kyle Macaulay, who were part of West Ham's recruitment team when Fernandes signed there.
Onana's Future Uncertain
United goalkeeper Andre Onana's future is less certain. After a loan spell at Trabzonspor, he appears set to return to his parent club, Inter Milan. The fine form of Senne Lammens in his first United season means there's no huge incentive to reintegrate Onana, who broadly saw the bad outweigh the good during his time as first-choice. The challenge is finding a taker for a player who cost around £47 million.
Rashford's Barcelona Transfer Doubt
Marcus Rashford's dream move to Barcelona is in serious doubt. The Catalan giants have until June 15 to activate their £26 million purchase option in the loan agreement for Rashford. Despite playing a key role in their La Liga title win, Barcelona's apparent reluctance to sign him speaks volumes. Money cannot be used as an excuse after Barcelona shelled out almost £70 million on Anthony Gordon. A compromise could be reached if both parties wanted a deal.
Casemiro, Malacia, and Sancho Departing
United will lose members of the squad that finished third in the 2025/26 season. Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, and Jadon Sancho are among the senior stars leaving on a free when their contracts expire on June 30. The club is looking to bring in new talent to replace these key players and strengthen their midfield.
Bouaddi on the Radar
Manchester United has tracked Ayyoub Bouaddi, the World Cup's most exciting player. Despite Brazil losing the midfield battle in their opening game against Morocco, Bouaddi's performance announced him to the world. His skill and energy have not gone unnoticed, with most top clubs sending scouts to report on him. United's interest raises the possibility of a future bid for the talented Bouaddi.
Conclusion
Manchester United's transfer window is set to be a busy one, with a focus on strengthening the midfield and bringing in new talent. The club is looking to address the lack of depth in that area and bring in players who can compete at the highest level. With a mix of established stars and promising young talent on the radar, United is poised to make some significant moves in the coming weeks.