£80m star wants move to Manchester United alongside Ederson

Just over a week ago, Elliott Anderson showed exactly why Manchester United are so keen to sign him. That said, reaching an agreement is not easy.

Manchester’s city rivals are in pole position to sign him and are far more likely to pay a transfer fee on top of the £100m required to acquire him from Nottingham Forest.

But United have an alternative. They have heaps of it. From Aurélien Choameny to Sandro Tonali, big-money signings could arrive at Old Trafford.

There is also the possibility of a cheaper addition, namely Ederson from Atalanta.

Latest information on Manchester United’s midfield hunt this summer

The transfer window may not be open yet, but it seems a foregone conclusion that United will welcome Ederson to the Premier League when it does.

A few weeks ago, it emerged that the Brazilian had already agreed a five-year deal to move to Old Trafford, but talks have not yet begun between the clubs. However, things have completely changed in the last few days.

“We know that Ederson is waiting for Manchester United. Personal details have already been agreed between Ederson and United,” Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel on Sunday.

Romano added: “He would be happy to join. Man United have been in direct negotiations with Atalanta in Italy over the last few days.”

Speaking on the same program, Romano revealed the latest information on the transfer of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleva, another player who is said to have already agreed personal terms with United.

The same reporter commented: “Bareva is also a name that has to be mentioned. The player is keen to move.”

Why Baleva could be Rice at Man United

Sunday was supposed to be Casemiro’s last game as a Manchester United player. Coincidentally, the club chose to end his career with the Red Devils the previous weekend. It was a fitting exit as he left the Old Trafford pitch to a standing ovation.

My mission now is to take his place. In Anderson’s case, they will definitely sign a high-class player. There’s a reason he’ll start alongside Declan Rice at this summer’s World Cup.

But what about Baleva? Well, it’s no wonder he struggled to maintain his form in 2025/26. When we line up the numbers from the landmark 2024/25 season with this season, we see an alarming amount of regression in some key statistics.

From the evidence above, spending over £80 million on a Seagulls midfielder probably isn’t the best use of money.

Still, if they receive last season’s version, they could be a winner. They were able to sign their rice. why? Well, firstly, they are both very strong ball carriers who recover possession brilliantly and win the ball back with ease.

For context, we’re talking about Rice as a defensive midfielder here. Valeva can play bravely forward, but he does not provide the attacking threat that the Premier League winner does in a left-sided eight role.

Instead, they’ll likely get a version of Rice that sits a little deeper, one that breaks up plays and runs through opponents.

In fact, according to Scout Lab, the player in Europe’s top five leagues who was most similar to Baleva in 2024/25 was Arsenal’s midfield sensation. The second was Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana. Here’s what the statistics tell us:

There was little to separate them from 2024/25 in terms of carrying the ball and progressing play on the pitch. Valeva was ahead in progressive passes, but Rice was ahead in progressive carries.

Defensively, Brighton’s midfielders’ numbers were more impressive, but the amount of possession each team has must also be considered.

Arsenal don’t defend much, but the Seagulls are on the back foot. This affects some of the numbers shown above.

No matter what you think about Valeva’s regression in 2026, the 22-year-old could still be a very impressive signing. A Cameroon international like Rice, in his ability to propel the team forward on the field, will undoubtedly give coach Michael Carrick’s team more energy and vibrancy than the aging Casemiro.