Manchester United will not be swayed into overpaying this summer, chief executive Omar Berrada has insisted, even as the club closes in on a £35m deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson and weighs moves for Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow and Wolves’ Sam Johnstone.
“The template for what we did last summer will be replicated,” Berrada said on United’s Inside Carrington podcast. “You never know how you will come out of a window. You have to be really prepared, you have to have a clear plan.” Last year’s early swoops for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, followed by Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens, helped United finish third in the Premier League and return to the Champions League.
“Omar Berrada says Man Utd will not overpay this summer even as they close in on Ederson and target goalkeeper signings.”
Now the club have agreed a £35m fee for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who will have his medical shortly before pre-season training. United are still targeting at least one more central midfielder, with West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes – priced at £80m – a strong interest. They also want striker cover for Sesko and a left-sided player, potentially to compete with Luke Shaw at full-back, given Patrick Dorgu is viewed as more attacking by head coach Michael Carrick.
But Berrada warned: “We want a mix of experience and youth … Whatever decisions we take will not just be for the short term but the long term.” Club sources have stressed they will not overpay, which is why they would walk away from deals that exceed their valuation.
That discipline extends to the goalkeeper department, which is set for a shake-up. United are considering a free transfer for Leeds’ 35-year-old Karl Darlow, whose contract expires this month. Leeds want to offer him a new deal. United have also discussed a move for Sam Johnstone, 33, a former academy player who left in 2018 without a senior appearance. The interest comes after veteran Tom Heaton, 40, extended his contract for another year. “He is very important,” said Casemiro of Heaton on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel. “He pushes the training, he pushes in the game … everyone needs this guy.”
Casemiro will leave this summer when his contract expires. Altay Bayindir is also expected to depart, while Andre Onana – who spent last season on loan in Turkey – wants to stay and challenge Lammens for the No 1 spot, despite United wanting to cash in. With director of football Jason Wilcox, director of recruitment Christopher Vivell and director of negotiations Matt Hargreaves all involved, the club is sticking to a plan that Berrada believes will keep them competitive without repeating the costly mistakes of the Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek signings.