Manchester United are battling Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign promising Brazilian defender Luis Eduardo, according to AS.
The Old Trafford side have already begun negotiations for the 17-year-old’s arrival after growing impressed with Eduardo’s performances at the U17 World Cup in Qatar last month.
Eduardo, who plays for Brazilian top-flight side Gremio, captained his country to the semi-finals and caught United’s eye with his leadership, ‘incredible’ speed and tackling ability.
While several other clubs have also scouted the 17-year-old, both United and Chelsea are trying to accelerate their pursuit ahead of the market reopening in January, when Ruben Amorim’s side could also target a new midfielder.
Man United Keen on Luis Eduardo
Luis Eduardo
According to AS, Man United have already ‘done their homework’ on Eduardo and could present their initial proposal to the defender in the coming weeks.
The Red Devils are reportedly aiming to avoid a potential bidding war developing in their pursuit of the 17-year-old, who has a release clause of €60m (£54m) in his contract with Gremio.
While the exact amount Man United are planning to offer remains unclear, Gremio are in a strong negotiating position, having only extended Eduardo’s contract in July until the summer of 2028.
Eduardo, who turns 18 next month, has already made his professional debut for Gremio this year and was named twice in the matchday squad for the Brazilian Serie A.
The central defender earned promotion to the first-team squad following his impressive displays in the Copinha, a prestigious Under-20 tournament in Brazil, where he showcased his pace by being clocked at 23.6mph.
Cristian Orozco Plan Revealed
Ruben Amorim
A move for Eduardo would hardly be a surprise considering how heavily Man United have focused on securing top-tier talents from around the globe in recent months.
Promising Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco is expected to become the latest addition, with his signing set to be confirmed at the end of the season.
According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano, United will assess Orozco once he joins the squad at Carrington and then decide whether he will start the season with the academy or go out on loan to continue his development.
Man United Prioritising Midfielder Signing
Joao Gomes
Man United are prioritising the signing of a new midfielder in 2026 and could move for Wolves star Joao Gomes as soon as January.
The Brazilian midfielder would reportedly be open to a move to Old Trafford next year and is one of the options being considered alongside fellow Premier League aces Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson.