Man Utd in club-to-club talks to sign future £100m star

‘One more year, Casemiro‘ rang around Old Trafford in the final months of 2025/26, although those same Manchester United supporters might well be feeling somewhat thankful that the Brazilian’s time at the club has now come to an end.

As harsh as that may sound, following a stellar run of form under Michael Carrick, the veteran Brazilian was abject in his nation’s 1-1 draw with Morocco at the weekend, hooked at the break after picking up a trademark yellow card in the first half.

His direct replacement was another ageing midfielder in the form of ex-Liverpool man, Fabinho, although it wouldn’t be a surprise to see United-bound Ederson force his way into the picture, following his late call-up to the squad.

The 26-year-old is all-but certain to join the Red Devils from Atalanta next month, the first of what could well be multiple midfielder arrivals this summer.

Exclusive – Man Utd in club-to-club talks for next midfield signing

Ederson’s inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad may delay his arrival somewhat, although it looks almost certain that the 2024 Europa League winner will be joining United for a fee in the region of £35m.

With top target Elliot Anderson no longer in the equation, INEOS have shifted their focus toward West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, the club hierarchy seemingly thrashing out a deal for the Portuguese playmaker.

The £80m-rated youngster might well prove to be signing number two, although a third midfield addition hasn’t been ruled out, in the event of Manuel Ugarte’s exit.

That scenario has seen Jason Wilcox and co join the race for Lille starlet, Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Football FanCast sources revealing that the club are trying to hijack Arsenal and Liverpool’s pursuit of the 18-year-old.

The suggestion is that it is United who have made the most concrete moves so far, engaging in talks with the Ligue 1 side regarding the potential cost of any deal.

It is believed that the Moroccan teenager will fetch somewhere in the region of £70m, with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain also among the growing list of suitors.

How Bouaddi compared to Ederson in 2025/26

That reported £70m fee may appear rather steep for a player who doesn’t turn 19 until October, but if United don’t act now, that price tag will only skyrocket in the coming years.

Indeed, in the view of analyst and Como scout, Ben Mattinson, Bouaddi is a “£100m midfielder” in the making, as he showcased only recently in that clash with Casemiro’s Brazil.

While the departing United man toiled in the opening 45, having been dribbled past three times in that torrid outing, Bouaddi looked like a class above, dictating proceedings on his World Cup debut.

The France-born teen played the full 90 minutes on the day, boasting a 91% pass accuracy rate, winning nine ground duels and successfully completing three of his five attempted dribbles, gliding up the pitch up against far more experienced opponents.

To perform so magnificently on just his fourth international appearance really was remarkable, although it’s worth noting that he has now made 100 appearances combined for club and country at senior level.

Such a wealth of experience at such a young age is a testament to his talent, with it looking as if he’d be able to instantly leapfrog Ederson to become Kobbie Mainoo’s starting midfield partner.

Where Bouaddi particularly has the edge is with regard to his ball-carrying prowess, having averaged 1.1 successful dribbles per game in Ligue 1 in 2025/26. Ederson, for comparison, averaged just 0.5 in that regard in Serie A.

Neither man is necessarily the most creative, boasting just one assist and three ‘big chances’ created apiece, but it is their work out of possession that particularly catches the eye.

In that regard, Bouaddi also appears to be superior, and while both men averaged 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game last season, the youngster bettered the South American with regard to ball recoveries (5.0 vs 4.4), total duels won (57% vs 54%), and errors made (one vs three).

Bouaddi was also dribbled past just 0.5 times per game, again a better average than Ederson (0.5), further evidence of just what an athletic, physical pillar he is in front of the back four.

While United may be wary of investing too heavily in another Lille prospect, following a difficult spell for Leny Yoro thus far, this could be another signing with one eye on the long-term at Old Trafford.

That said too, all the evidence points to Bouaddi being able to make an impact more immediately as well, potentially shunting Ederson into an understudy in Carrick’s side.