Manchester United are reportedly set to make three midfield signings this summer, with deals for Ederson and Andrey Santos already agreed and a £50 million move for Manu Kone identified as the next target. The club is moving quickly in the transfer market under new permanent manager Michael Carrick, focusing on overhauling the midfield after Casemiro's exit and uncertainty over Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount.
Third midfield target identified: Manu Kone
According to reports, United have identified Roma midfielder Manu Kone as their third midfield signing. The 25-year-old Frenchman has impressed at the World Cup, prompting interest from the Red Devils. Roma are reportedly prepared to accept offers around £50 million for the player, which would more than treble the £15 million they paid Borussia Monchengladbach for his permanent transfer in 2025.
Kone was not among United's priority targets at the start of the summer, but the high valuations of Premier League alternatives such as Brighton's Carlos Baleba (£80m+), Bournemouth's Alex Scott, and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, combined with Kone's World Cup performances, have made him an attractive option.
Ederson set for second medical
Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson is poised to undergo the second part of his medical examination with Manchester United. The Red Devils agreed a £35 million deal plus £3.8 million in add-ons for the 27-year-old in June, but confirmation was delayed due to his World Cup commitments with Brazil. With Brazil now eliminated, Ederson is available to complete the remaining formalities. He underwent an initial medical in the United States while on international duty and will now finish the process in the UK.
Ederson has reportedly signed a four-year contract at Old Trafford and will become the 11th Brazilian to play for Manchester United, unless Andrey Santos joins first.
Andrey Santos deal agreed
United have also agreed a deal for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, with the combined fee for Ederson and Santos reportedly around £85 million. Santos, 21, is expected to add depth to the midfield as Carrick looks to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League.
Midfield rebuild after Casemiro exit
The midfield overhaul comes after Casemiro's departure, which created a substantial gap in the engine room. The futures of Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount remain in doubt, making further changes essential. United missed out on several primary targets, including Elliot Anderson, Matheus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali, but have acted quickly to secure alternatives.
