Better than Tonali: Man Utd in talks to sign “unstoppable” £40m midfielder

Ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, very few Manchester United supporters would have had the revival of midfielder Casemiro on their bingo cards.

The Brazilian looked certain to depart Old Trafford last summer, but instead he remained a first-team member – a decision that has proven to be a masterstroke.

The 34-year-old has netted nine goals in his 34 top-flight appearances this term, with only big-money striker Benjamin Sesko scoring more than him to date.

However, despite his impressive form over the last few months, it’s been confirmed that he will be departing the club at the end of the season – regardless of chants from fans for one more year.

Casemiro’s departure will undoubtedly leave a huge hole at the heart of the Red Devils midfield, which has ramped up the pressure on the recruitment team to find an adequate replacement.

Man Utd now in active talks to sign £40m star this summer

Since it was confirmed that the Brazilian would be leaving United this summer, a whole host of midfielders have since been touted with a move to Old Trafford.

Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali is just one player who’s been linked with a move to join the Red Devils after the Magpies’ failure to secure European football.

Any deal would be a hefty one for United this window, as Eddie Howe’s side have placed an £80m price tag on the Italian’s head to fend off interest from any potential suitors.

He’s not the only player who remains in the hierarchy’s sights at present, with Atalanta star Ederson another who’s currently under huge consideration.

According to Fabrizio Romano, United have already been in opening talks with the Brazilian over the prospect of a potential £40m switch to Old Trafford this summer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the journalist said: “Ederson is available. I told you some time ago, talks are active between Man United and the agents.

“Man United could sign two or three midfielders based on opportunities, based on exits, and more. And so the name of Ederson is going to be a really important one.”

Why Ederson would be a better signing than Tonali for United

Despite the transfer window not opening for at least another month, the United fanbase have already been dragged through countless sagas regarding the midfield department.

Tonali is just one player who’s consistently been linked with a move to join the club, with reports even stating that a deal had all but been agreed for the Italian’s signature.

His experience in England’s top-flight could make him a readymade replacement for Casemiro, with the Newcastle star netting five league goals on Tyneside.

However, the biggest sticking point will no doubt be the £80m asking price, with United wanting to secure the services of multiple midfielders ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

As a result, a deal for Ederson could prove to be a more viable option for the Red Devils, with the Brazilian a player who’s certainly been underappreciated in recent times.

Whilst he may never have featured in the Premier League before, he’s been a leading deep-lying star in Serie A for Atalanta – leading to the recent transfer talks in Manchester.

When comparing his stats to those of Tonali during the ongoing campaign, the former has massively dominated in key areas and highlighted why he’d be a better addition this window.

Ederson, who’s been dubbed “unstoppable” by journalist Eduardo Burgos, has registered more goals than Tonali this campaign – arguably making him the perfect Casemiro replacement.

Along with his impressive goalscoring record, the Brazilian has also achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate – which highlights his quality in front of goal within attacking areas.

The Atalanta star has also bettered the Newcastle midfielder for pass accuracy and chances created per 90 – once again demonstrating his quality with the ball at his feet.

However, out of possession, Ederson has also caught the eye, subsequently winning more ground duels and making more tackles per 90 than the Italian.

His higher tally of ball recoveries made per 90 only adds to his impressive ball-winning capabilities – which demonstrates that he’s undoubtedly a better all-round option than Tonali.

The Newcastle star has certainly become many of the fans’ first choice in recent weeks, but a deal for Ederson would no doubt be a better option for United this summer.

Their respective figures highlight the Brazilian’s dominance across all areas of the game, not to mention the fact he’s also available for half the price of the Magpies star.

Casemiro’s departure will be a bitter blow for the fanbase this summer, but the hierarchy have the perfect opportunity to land the ideal replacement with a move for Ederson.