Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has issued a stark warning: the club will not bow to pressure and overpay in the summer transfer window, as they prepare to announce Brazilian midfielder Ederson as their first signing.
Berrada, speaking on United’s Inside Carrington podcast, said the template from last summer – when they moved swiftly for Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens – would be replicated. “We have a clear plan,” he said. “Whatever decisions we take will not just be for the short term but the long term.”
“Man Utd chief Omar Berrada warns club will not overpay in transfer window as Ederson nears £35m arrival.”
United have already agreed a £35m fee with Atalanta for the 26-year-old Ederson, who will undergo a medical shortly before pre-season training begins. The club are also targeting West Ham’s £80m-rated Mateus Fernandes, striker back-up for Sesko, and a left-sided player – potentially a full-back to compete with Luke Shaw, given Patrick Dorgu is viewed as more attacking by head coach Michael Carrick.
The drive for discipline comes after years of costly mistakes on Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek. Club sources have stressed they will walk away if prices become excessive.
Meanwhile, United are hunting an experienced back-up goalkeeper, with Senne Lammens established as No 1 and Tom Heaton, 40, handed a one-year extension. Leeds United’s Karl Darlow, 35, has attracted interest after a superb second half of last season – displacing Lucas Perri in January, recording five clean sheets in 22 Premier League appearances and earning a nomination for save of the season. However, Leeds are determined to retain the Wales international, who is in talks over a new contract before his current deal expires at the end of June. United have also looked at Wolves’ Sam Johnstone.
With Altay Bayindir on the transfer list and Andre Onana available for a permanent move after a loan at Trabzonspor, the goalkeeping department remains in flux.
Outgoings have already begun: United announced that Sancho, Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia will leave on free transfers when their contracts expire, along with youngsters Sonny Aljofree, James Bailey and Malachi Sharpe.
After finishing third and securing Champions League football for the first time in three years, United are reshaping. But on Berrada’s orders, this summer’s business will be done on the club’s terms – not the market’s.