The biggest surprise in recent days is not that FIFA is cheating in the World Cup, but that Ederson, who was just going to see Manchester United’s doctor, was suddenly dropped.
After Manchester United shelve the Ederson deal, the focus is on one of the World Cup tournament’s big breakthroughs – an 18-year-old who could cost as much as £100 million.
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The decision to pull the plug on the Ederson deal has sent Manchester United looking for alternatives as they look to revamp their midfield under Michael Carrick.
Ederson was ready for Manchester United in a deal worth £39 million after the club agreed with Atalanta back in May. But time passed, uncertainty grew – and now the club has decided to drop the transfer.
It appears that problems during the medical tests led to the Red Devils withdrawing from completing the purchase of the 27-year-old. The transfer bosses quickly turned around and secured Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50 million.
But the 22-year-old won’t be the only midfielder to arrive at Old Trafford. A signing of a greater calibre is expected – and one of the names on the wish list has really impressed during the World Cup.
The 18-year-old who took the World Championships by storm
United are looking elsewhere and admiring Morocco’s breakthrough player Ayyoub Bouaddi. According to a report by Eduardo Burgos, the club has “followed him since the start of the season and through the World Cup.”
Bouaddi’s value has skyrocketed after an outstanding tournament in North America, where he showed why he is so in demand. At just 18 years old, he played with maturity far beyond his age and was brilliant in games against Brazil (1-1) and the Netherlands (3-2 on penalties).
The club must replace Casemiro, who left the club after his contract expired. They have already missed out on top priority targets – Elliot Anderson went to Manchester City for £116 million, and Mateus Fernandes went to Tottenham Hotspur for £85 million.
Bouaddi is a pressure-resistant midfielder who can play both as a six and eight. At 185 centimetres, he has a physical profile, but is extremely gifted with the ball and meets many of Carrick’s requirements.
£100 million for ‘elite’ talent
Bouaddi may not be a big name in his own right, but he is undoubtedly one of the most promising midfielders in Europe. He currently plays at LOSC Lille, and it is believed that some of Europe’s biggest clubs are chasing his signature.
Liverpool are also said to be interested in the Moroccan – and a transfer fee of £100 million could be necessary. He has been hailed as an “elite” talent who is ready for the step to a European giant.
United are looking to bring in two new midfielders in addition to Santos, and Bouaddi is ideal to help revamp Carrick’s midfield. He can be a long-term solution in the middle and a perfect partner for Kobbie Mainoo.
The report also claims that Manu Koné and Alex Scott are on the wish list and are seen as alternatives to Ederson. If it comes to a choice between the three, Bouaddi is probably the most exciting option.
Points sharing and goal show as the Eliteserien returned
