The £80m star wants to join Man Utd along with Ederson

Just over a week ago, Elliot Anderson showed exactly why Manchester United are desperate to sign him. That being said, the deal is not straightforward.

Their cross-town rivals Manchester are in a prime position to sign him and are likely to pay £100m plus the money needed to prize him away from Nottingham Forest.

However, United has other options. They have plenty of them. From the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni to Sandro Tonali, big-money additions could be on their way to Old Trafford.

Accordingly, they could also make a cheap addition, which is Ederson from Atalanta.

The latest in Man United’s midfield hunt this summer

It is possible that the transfer window has not yet been opened but it seems that the conclusion is that when it is open, United will be welcoming Ederson to the Premier League.

A few weeks ago it emerged that the Brazilian has agreed a five-year contract to move to Old Trafford but no talks have started between the clubs yet. That, however, has now changed in the past few days.

Speaking on his YouTube channel on Sunday, Fabrizio Romano said: “We know that Ederson is waiting for Manchester United. There is an existing agreement between Ederson and United regarding personal details.

Romano added: “I would be very happy to join. Man United had face-to-face talks with Atalanta in Italy a few days ago.”

During the same show, Romano revealed the latest on the move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, another player who has reportedly agreed a deal with United.

The reporter commented: “Baleba is another name we must mention. This player is determined to leave.”

Why Baleba can be Man United’s Rice

Sunday was supposed to mark Casemiro’s last game as a Manchester United player. As it happens, the club chose to end their contract with the Red Devils last weekend. It was a fitting way to go out, leaving the Old Trafford pitch to sing.

Now, the task will be to replace him. In Anderson, they will undoubtedly sign a top-tier player. There is a reason he will start alongside Declan Rice at the World Cup this summer.

But, how is Baleba? Well, it’s only fair that he struggles to find form in 2025/26. When he puts his numbers together for the successful 2024/25 campaign this season, there is an alarming number of regressions in all the important statistics.

On the evidence of the above, perhaps spending over £80m on a Seagulls midfielder is not the best way to spend money.

However, if they get a version of last season, they could be a winner. They can sign their Rice. Why? However, mainly, they are both really strong ball carriers, they also control well and win the ball with ease.

In context, we’re talking about Rice as a defensive midfielder here. Although Baleba does not play forward, he will not provide the same type of attack as the one who won the Premier League playing in the 8th position on the left side.

Instead, they will be getting a version of Rice who sits back, a version who slows down the play and outruns opponents.

Indeed, according to Scout Lab, the player in Europe’s top five leagues most similar to Baleba in 2024/25 was Arsenal’s midfielder. The second was Amadou Onana of Aston Villa. Here’s what the statistics tell us.

When it comes to handling the ball and getting forward and playing at the top, not much has separated them at all from 2024/25. Baleba was leading the way with consistent passes but Rice was leading with consistent balls.

In the defensive department, the Brighton midfielder’s numbers have been very impressive but you also have to consider the number of performances for each team.

Arsenal don’t do much in defense while the Seagulls are more on the back foot. That plays into some of the numbers you see above.

Regardless of what you think of Baleba’s 2026 retirement, the 22-year-old could still make an impressive signing. Like Rice in his ability to drive his team forward on the pitch, the Cameroon international will give Michael Carrick’s side more energy and hustle than an aging Casemiro.