Man Utd are in talks to sign the £40m “irresistible” midfielder

Ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, very few Manchester United fans would have had midfielder Casemiro’s renewal on their bingo cards.

The Brazilian looked set to leave Old Trafford last summer, but has instead remained a member of the first team – a decision that proved to be a healthy one.

The 34-year-old has scored nine goals in 34 top-flight appearances this season, with only the most expensive striker Benjamin Sesko scoring more than him to date.

However, despite his impressive form over the past few months, it has been confirmed that he will leave the club at the end of the season – regardless of how the fans sing for another year.

Casemiro’s departure will undoubtedly leave a huge hole at the heart of the Red Devils’ midfield, increasing the pressure on the recruitment team to find an adequate replacement.

Man Utd are now in active talks to sign the £40m star this summer

Ever since it was confirmed that the Brazilian will leave United this summer, a number of midfielders have been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali is just one of the players being tipped to join the Red Devils after the Magpies failed to secure European football.

Any deal would be difficult for United this window, with Eddie Howe’s side putting an £80m price tag on the Italian’s head to ward off interest from any potential suitors.

He’s not the only player left in the management’s sights at the moment, with Atalanta star Ederson also currently being heavily considered.

According to Fabrizio Romano, United are already in talks with the Brazilian over the possibility of a £40m move to Old Trafford this summer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the journalist said: “Ederson is available. I told you in the past, the talks are active between Man United and the agents.

“Man United can sign two or three midfielders based on chances, based on exits, and more. So Ederson’s name will be very important.”

Why Ederson would be a better player than United’s Tonali

Although the transfer window hasn’t opened for at least another month, United fans are already being drawn into the many rumors about the midfielder.

Tonali is one of the players who have always been targeted in the team, and reports indicate that an agreement has been reached for the signing of this Italian player.

His experience in England’s top flight could see him replace the fit Casemiro, with the Newcastle star scoring five league goals on Tyneside.

However, the biggest sticking point will undoubtedly be the £80m asking price, with United looking to secure the services of a number of midfielders ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Because of this, Ederson’s deal could be a more viable option for the Red Devils, with the Brazilian having been largely unknown in recent times.

While he may not have featured in the Premier League before, he has been a leading star striker for Serie A side Atalanta – leading to recent transfer talks in Manchester.

When comparing his stats with Tonali’s during the ongoing campaign, the former has dominated in key areas and highlighted why he would be the better addition this window.

Ederson, dubbed “unstoppable” by journalist Eduardo Burgos, has registered more goals than Tonali this campaign – arguably making him the perfect replacement for Casemiro.

As well as his impressive goalscoring record, the Brazilian has also achieved a better shot on target accuracy rating – highlighting his quality in front of goal amongst attacking positions.

The Atalanta star also improved the Newcastle midfielder’s pass accuracy and chances created with 90 – again showing his quality with the ball at his feet.

However, off the ball, Ederson also caught the eye, after which he won more championships and made more tackles with 90 than the Italian.

His high number of 90 balls only adds to his incredible ability to win the ball – which shows that he is undoubtedly better than Tonali.

The Newcastle star has become many of the fans’ first choice in recent weeks, but Ederson’s deal would arguably be the best option for United this summer.

Their statistics highlight the Brazilian’s dominance in all areas of the game, not to mention that he is also available for half the price of the Magpies star.

Casemiro’s departure will be heartbreaking for fans this summer, but the manager has a good chance of finding the right place with a move for Ederson.