Manchester United target Ederson Castillo has earned his first senior call-up for the Ecuador national team for the March international break.
The priority for Manchester United will be strengthening the midfield department. Otherwise, that area of the pitch will take a major hit when Casemiro leaves at the end of the season.
United will also need to add depth to their squad with Michael Carrick on course to guide the team back into the Champions League, which will also help the club put more money into the transfer kitty.
Since taking over football operations at the beginning of 2024, Ineos have mixed up their recruitment by signing first-team starters and wonderkid talents.
Ecuador manager Sebastián Beccacece on the touchline
Photo by Eduardo Velázquez/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Should Chris Rigg be on Man United’s midfield summer target list?
He's a long term target, but is he finally proving he could make Old Trafford leap 👀
CHRIS RIGG stats
Graphic via SofaScore
Man Utd target Ederson Castillo called up to the Ecuador national team
United have already begun working on deals ahead of the summer, with terms agreed to sign Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza.
That means United are scouting heavily in South America, which was evident by the signing of Diego Leon last year.
Liga de Quito midfielder Ederson Castillo emerged as a target at the end of 2025, when it was suggested that the Red Devils were among three top clubs chasing the Ecuadorian wonderkid.
More United News
Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich were also named as potential suitors for the 17-year-old’s signature.
Castillo was one of three new players called up to the senior national team for Ecuador’s friendly matches against Morocco and the Netherlands.
According to BilaVIP, who initially reported on United’s interest, Castillo’s transfer fee is valued at approximately £2.2 million.
The other two new players included in the Ecuador squad are Malcolm Da Costa from Bournemouth and Davis Bautista from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Should Kobbie Mainoo be in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup?
After recent form, will Thomas Tuchel be convinced?
Kobbie Mainoo during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in 2026 in London, England.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Ederson Castillo given chance to impress ahead of World Cup
Ecuador have qualified for their second consecutive World Cup, meaning Castillo’s call-up means he now has a chance to impress Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece ahead of the World Cup.
The upcoming World Cup may come too soon for Castillo, but there must be something special about the youngster, given the interest he is attracting from Europe at such a young age.
The fact that Castillo could make his international debut for Ecuador in Europe means United could consider sending a scout to watch their upcoming friendly matches.
There is no guarantee that Castillo will feature in Ecuador’s next two matches, but there has to be a reason behind calling him before a major tournament.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox