INEOS is transforming Old Trafford's recruitment strategy, nearing a £38 million deal for the Atalanta midfielder as the Red Devils prioritize ruthless efficiency to secure early summer signings.
With the summer window almost officially open, the transfer rumours have been in full flow with different players Manchester United have been linked with. The midfield is the clear priority, with different names rumoured.
However, under INEOS, the club have become more ruthless in the window, with the need to have transfers done quickly and efficiently to avoid long drawn out saga's which derail the summer.
Last summer, the deal to sign Matheus Cunha was wrapped up before the window had even opened. This level of efficiency is not something that is usually associated with the club.
The Red Devils seem like they are continuing this trend of ruthless efficiency in the market, with one player just a few steps away from heading to Old Trafford.
Full agreement for Ederson close
Ederson has been a player the club have been linked with for over 18 months. The Brazilian midfielder was previously close to a move to Atletico Madrid, but the Spanish club opted for other targets.
This led the door to be wide open for United to swoop in for the player who has entered his final year at the club.
According to Fabrizio Romano, personal terms have been fully agreed upon between the Red Devils and the midfielder. Ederson has also blocked any talks with other clubs to focus on United.
In addition to this, Sky have reported that United are now close to agreeing a deal with Atalanta. The deal will reportedly be worth £38 million, of which £35 million will be guaranteed and the rest made up in add-ons.
Start as you mean to go on
Bringing in Ederson this early is a brilliant move by the club. Not only are they buying a versatile midfielder, but it means he has the entire summer to begin to acclimatise not only to the club but also to England. As he is not going to the World Cup, he will also be fully available for pre-season training.
While the player himself might only be a squad player, it is a statement from United that they mean business this window.
This now means the club can put more attention on other midfield targets such as Mateus Fernandes, with the club now only needing two more in this position.
Furthermore, it is important for the club that this is a start for how they mean to go on. Being able to make transfers, whether that is outgoings or incomings, early in the window avoids the problem that the club have had previously in terms of players missing pre-season and not being fully fit.
