Ederson and Baleba on United's Radar as Midfield Overhaul Looms

Manchester United are gearing up for a substantial summer investment in midfield reinforcements, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that both Atalanta's Ederson and Brighton's Carlos Baleba feature prominently on their shopping list.

The Red Devils' decision to splurge on attacking talent last summer—bringing in Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo—left a glaring hole in the engine room. Frustration among the fanbase was palpable as the midfield remained untouched despite being arguably United's most vulnerable department.

This season's attacking improvements have prompted a strategic rethink. With Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro both departing, United are primed to pursue at least two midfielders. Romano outlined the club's approach: "Man Utd want to sign at least two midfielders. Manuel Ugarte is going and Casemiro is going, so Man Utd will be linked with several midfielders, but they are yet to decide what they are going to do in terms of activating options and signing players."

Baleba has been circling United's orbit since August 2025. The Brighton midfielder was keen on a move to Old Trafford and personal terms remain agreed, yet United have dragged their feet on pulling the trigger—largely due to Brighton's eye-watering valuation.

Ederson presents a more complicated proposition. The Atalanta midfielder has already shaken hands with Atletico Madrid over personal terms, but the Spanish club balk at Atalanta's €45m asking price for a player contracted until summer 2027. At present, Atletico consider the fee prohibitive. Atletico are also weighing alternatives including Julian Brandt and Wolves' Joao Gomes, with the latter's agent Jorge Mendes actively engaged in negotiations.

Yet United aren't sitting idle. Ederson has lingered on their radar since summer 2025, when Atalanta rebuffed approaches. This time around, the Italian club are open to business at €45m, though Romano suggests United remain uncommitted: "Man Utd are informed about the situation of Ederson, but at the moment nothing is decided. The first step is Champions League football and the second step is the managerial decision."

Two Premier League clubs are eyeing Ederson's availability, with United's interest far from a recent phenomenon. Their strategy hinges on Champions League qualification and managerial continuity before committing significant funds.

Rashford Stalemate Continues

The Barcelona saga surrounding Marcus Rashford shows no signs of resolution. Reports from Spain have suggested the England winger could become expendable should the Catalan club complete their "operation" for Julian Alvarez.

However, Romano paints a rosier picture of Rashford's situation at the Camp Nou: "Rashford is always delivering. Rashford has been, in my personal opinion, fantastic this season in terms of behaviour."

Despite warming the bench at times, Rashford has maintained exemplary professionalism. His connection with the coaching staff remains strong, and the player himself harbours genuine affection for Barcelona. "Rashford would love to stay at Barcelona. He is very happy at the club and believes he can do even better next season," Romano revealed.

The impasse, however, persists. Barcelona are reluctant to trigger the €30m buy option clause, instead seeking to renegotiate the loan terms. United, conversely, are adamant: activate the option or the player returns to Manchester. Neither side shows signs of budging, leaving Barcelona to explore alternative targets whilst pondering whether to proceed with Rashford or move on.

"At the moment this distance between Man Utd and Barcelona remains," Romano concluded, suggesting the standoff could yet define the summer window for both clubs.