Manu Kone: United could sign French midfielder if Ederson deal collapses

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The Peoples Person

9 July 2026

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chelsea for the transfer of Andrey Santos.

Santos, 22, is expected to undergo medical tests imminently in order to become United’s new midfield signing.

There are question marks over whether Santos is the club’s first midfield signing or the second this summer, given the uncertainty over Ederson’s fitness.

Manchester United and Atalanta found an agreement over a fee for Ederson before the start of the World Cup. However, the Brazilian could not finalise his move to Old Trafford after receiving a late call-up to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

Recently, it has been widely reported that concerns were raised over an initial medical exam. On Wednesday, journalist Ben Jacobs

claimed that United will

“conduct thorough medical exams on Ederson before determining whether to proceed with a €45m deal.”

Jacobs has now shed light on what United plan to do should Ederson’s medical results fail to convince the club’s recruitment team.

Speaking to

The United Stand

, Jacobs unveiled that

Manchester United

have made enquiries for AS Roma midfield dynamo Manu Kone.

“If the Ederson deal falls through, that COULD be revisited by United,” the journalist added.

–

Thursday, 9 July 2026

Akin to Ederson,

Kone

emerged as one of Serie A’s most physically dominant midfielders last term.

On top of that, the 6’1″ Frenchman is a technically secure midfielder who uses his exceptional ball control to drive the ball higher up the field.

Kone is currently enjoying a promising World Cup campaign with France in North America.

Earlier today, The Peoples Person relayed a

report

claiming United have been informed that Kone is keen to test himself in the Premier League and Roma are willing to sell for the right price. The 25-year-old is thought to be “very keen” on becoming a Red Devil.

Featured image Paolo Bruno via Getty Images

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