£80m star wants to join Man Utd alongside Ederson

Just over a week ago, Elliot Anderson showcased precisely why Manchester United desperately want to sign him. That being said, a deal is not straightforward.

Their city rivals across Manchester are in pole position to sign him and it is far more likely that they pay the £100m plus fee required to prise him away from Nottingham Forest.

However, United have alternatives. They have a whole heap of them. From the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni to Sandro Tonali, a big-money addition could be on their way to Old Trafford.

Likewise, they could also make a cheaper addition, namely Ederson from Atalanta.

The latest on Man United’s midfield hunt this summer

The transfer window may not have opened just yet but it seems like a foregone conclusion that once it opens, United will be welcoming Ederson to the Premier League.

A few weeks ago it was revealed that the Brazilian had already agreed a five year deal to move to Old Trafford but no talks had begun between clubs just yet. That, however, has now changed in the last couple of days.

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

Romano continued: “He would be more than happy to join. Man United have had face-to-face talks with Atalanta in Italy in the last few days.”

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

The reporter commented: “Baleba is another name we have to mention. The player is keen on the move.”

Why Baleba could be Man United’s very own Rice

Sunday should have marked Casemiro’s final game as a Manchester United player. As it happens, the club chose to end his career with the Red Devils the weekend prior. It was a fitting exit, walking off the Old Trafford pitch to a standing ovation.

Now, the task will be to replace him. In Anderson, they would undoubtedly sign a player of high class. There is a reason he is set to start alongside Declan Rice at this summer’s World Cup.

But, how about Baleba? Well, it’s fair to he struggled for form in 2025/26. When lining up his numbers from a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign with this season, there is an alarming amount of regression across some key statistics.

On the evidence of the above, perhaps spending upwards of £80m on the Seagulls midfielder is not the best use of funds.

Yet, if they do receive the version from last season, they could be onto a winner. They could sign their own Rice. Why? Well, primarily, they are both really strong ball carriers, recover possession excellently and win the ball back with ease.

For context, we’re talking about Rice as a defensive midfielder here. While Baleba can galivant forward he will not offer the same sort of attacking threat as the Premier League winner does from a left side 8 role.

Instead they would be getting the version of Rice who sits a bit deeper, the version who breaks up play and bursts past the opposition.

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

When it comes to carrying the ball and progressing play up the pitch, there was not much to separate them at all from 2024/25. Baleba was ahead for progressive passes but Rice was ahead for progressive carries.

In the defensive department, the Brighton midfielder’s numbers were more impressive but you also have to take into account the amount of possession each team has.

Arsenal do not do much defending whereas the Seagulls are more on the back foot. That plays into some of the numbers you see above.

Whatever you think about Baleba’s regression in 2026, the 22-year-old could still make for a really impressive signing. Rice-like in his ability to progress his team up the field, the Cameroon international would certainly give Michael Carrick’s side more energy and hustle and bustle than an ageing Casemiro has.