Manchester United have been looking to strengthen their youth ranks with a push for South American talent, with LDU Quito midfielder Ederson Castillo emerging as the latest exciting target.
Ineos want to bring the brightest talent to Manchester United. It’s been evident from day one that it would be their strategy following transfers such as Leny Yoro, Sekou Kone, Chido Obi and Diego Leon.
It remains to be seen if the surge of young players arriving at Old Trafford in recent years will truly benefit the first team, in terms of contributions and success, but it gives Ruben Amorim a greater pool of talent to work with.
Over the past year, United have signed two young players from South America. They include Paraguayan talent Diego Leon and Colombian midfield ace Cristian Orozco. There is plenty of scope for United to revamp the midfield department, and some of these young emerging talents could look to benefit from that.
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The latest South American talent on United’s radar is LDU Quito starlet Ederson Castillo. It was initially claimed that his current club wanted £5 million for his signature, with United warming to the idea of a swoop for the youngster.
LDU Quito will demand more money for Ederson Castillo
LDU Quito are in a position where they’ve got an emerging talent on the cusp of a move to Europe.
Not only that, but United are interested in Castillo, who doesn’t turn 18 until December 2026.
Reliable transfer reporter Ben Jacobs claims Quito will demand somewhere in the region of €10m-15m for Castillo’s signature following a range of speculative reports.
“Local press have said in the last few days that there’s a valuation there of about six million euros,” Jacobs told The United Stand.
“That’s not my understanding. I’m told that the total package that Quito want is between 10 and 15 million euros, but that’s including add-ons and it’s also projecting a sell-on clause.
“So it might be for example a 5 plus 5 deal with a 20% sell on because they think that this kid is going to be worth 50, 70, 100 million euros over time and at some point be able to cash in on that.
“So keep an eye on his development. It’s not necessarily anything to get excited about imminently. There’s no offer. There’s no senior recruitment people flying in to negotiate, but Manchester United are keeping a really close eye on him and he’s definitely a profile that they appreciate.”
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The Ecuadorian club will also seek add-ons in any deal, as well as a 20% sell-on clause because they have high expectations for Castillo and won’t want to miss out if he becomes a star in the European game.
Bayern Munich eye Ederson Castillo
It remains to be seen if there will be much competition for Castillo’s signature.
Right now, we know United are keen, but reports also suggest that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are keeping a close eye on Castillo, as per Bolavip.
Another club reportedly in the race for Castillo is La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone has a long history of success with South American players who possess grit and technical quality.
Anderlecht are also believed to be in the mix for Castillo and may offer a quicker development path into the first team.
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