Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has issued a blunt warning: the club will not bow to pressure and overpay in the summer transfer window, even as they close in on a £35m deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
“The template for what we did last summer will be replicated,” Berrada said on United’s Inside Carrington podcast. “You have to be really prepared, you have to have a clear plan, you have to know what positions you want to strengthen and you also have to be prepared for any eventuality.”
“Man Utd chief Omar Berrada says club won't overpay in transfer window, sticking to last summer's successful template.”
That template – fast early moves for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, followed by striker Benjamin Sesko and goalkeeper Senne Lammens – helped United finish third in the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League for the first time in three years. All four made a positive impact, and Berrada is adamant the club will not repeat the mistakes of the past when they overspent on Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek.
United have already agreed a £35m fee with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who will have his medical shortly before pre-season training. But they are still looking to bring in at least one, and potentially two, more central midfielders, with a strong interest in West Ham’s £80m-rated Mateus Fernandes. They also want striker back-up for Sesko and a left-sided player, potentially to compete with Luke Shaw at full-back given Patrick Dorgu is viewed as more of an attacking option by head coach Michael Carrick.
Carrick, handed the permanent role until June 2028 after an impressive interim period, is overseeing his first transfer window as manager. Director of football Jason Wilcox, recruitment director Christopher Vivell and director of negotiations Matt Hargreaves will all be heavily involved. Club sources have stressed they will not overpay, which is why they would back away from paying over the odds.
The goalkeeping department is also set for upheaval. Andre Onana, who spent last season on loan at Trabzonspor, does not feature in the club’s future plans; Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan has acknowledged discussions over a permanent transfer. Altay Bayindir also lost his place to Lammens and has been linked with a move to Turkey. The two reserve stoppers are expected to depart for a combined £48.3m, creating an opening for a deputy to Tom Heaton, who recently signed a one-year extension. United are weighing up a move to re-sign Sam Johnstone from relegated Wolves.
“Whatever decisions we take will not just be for the short term but the long term,” Berrada added. “We want a mix of experience and youth – players who have demonstrated they can perform in the Premier League and players that are doing very well outside the Premier League.”