Manchester United are approaching a transfer crossroads that could shape the future of the club for the next decade.
It is no secret that INEOS have prioritised strengthening their midfield this summer.
Ederson already looks destined to become the first arrival of the summer after United reportedly reached a £39 million agreement with Atalanta.
United are widely expected to sign at least one more midfielder before the transfer window closes.
The biggest question is whether they should go all-in on a superstar or spread their investment across multiple elite talents.
Elliot Anderson is their prime target. Manchester City submitted a staggering £120 million bid for the England international but Nottingham Forest turned it down.
Forest want a British transfer record fee (more than £125m) to sanction his exit.
INEOS spent over £200m on Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens last summer.
With Champions League qualification secured, a stronger league finish achieved and increased commercial revenue expected next season, the club should enter the summer with greater financial flexibility.
United still need a new left-back and could also enter the market for a reliable backup striker. That reality makes the Anderson decision even more complicated.
Option 1: Go all-in on Anderson
The 23-year-old is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.
He had a superb individual season and still has room to take his performances to the next level.
The appeal is obvious. Anderson could be a dream partner for Kobbie Mainoo for the best part of the next decade.
However, spending more than £125 million on a single player always carries enormous risk.
No transfer, regardless of talent, comes with guarantees. Injuries, inconsistency or unforeseen off-field issues can derail even the most promising careers.
An all-in approach would also make it extremely difficult for United to strengthen elsewhere in midfield.
Can a midfield built around Mainoo, Ederson and Anderson realistically cope with the demands of both the Premier League and the Champions League across an entire season? We doubt it.
Option 2: Spread the investment
If INEOS abandon their pursuit of a superstar signing, they could invest in two rising Premier League stars.
Three names consistently linked with Old Trafford are Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott and Mateus Fernandes.
Each offers a different profile, but all possess enormous long-term potential.
Fernandes is reportedly desperate to join United, but West Ham United are adamant about their £80m asking price. Baleba and Scott are expected to command similar fees from Brighton and Bournemouth respectively.
Through smart negotiations, INEOS could potentially secure two of those midfielders for somewhere between £130m and £150m.
Baleba could be the heir to the throne that will be left vacant by Casemiro. Fernandes and Mainoo could rotate or play together depending on the opposition.
Ederson would add further versatility and competition throughout the midfield.
If we were making the decision, this would be the preferred approach.
Anderson is undoubtedly a special talent but signing two talented midfielders rather than one superstar could provide greater balance and a stronger foundation.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com