Manchester United have reportedly made first contacts for the signing of Benfica goalkeeper Ederson.
According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo today, José Mourinho would be looking to the 23-year-old as the perfect replacement for David De Gea, who could be leaving the club to join Real Madrid in the summer.
Ederson signed a contract extension with Benfica last January. The current deal, which runs until 2023, has a €60m release clause.
And that’s the price Benfica will push for, at least for now. That’s because they want to make at least €30m from the player’s transfer, and since they only have 50% of Ederson’s rights, it makes the total price the same as the release clause.
There’s still one way that Ederson could leave for less. O Jogo claim Benfica are negotiating with Rio Ave for a bigger share of the player’s percentage, just like they did with Vasteras for Victor Lindelof when the Manchester United rumour hit its height.
By getting a bigger percentage, Benfica could obviously make more money with the sale, without asking interested clubs for such a high amount.
Alas, things are complicated, the player’s agent Jorge Mendes had a deal with Rio Ave so his company Gestifute would get a part of the 50% after a sale.
That’s why until this issue is sorted, Ederson’s price remains simple: €60m.
O Jogo recalls that Manchester United had scouts at practically every Benfica game this season, so they are very well aware of the player’s skills. However, those scouting trips have already been used to back up Jose Mourinho’s interest in Lindelof and Nelson Semedo.
