United now have a free run at 18yo wonderkid as Chelsea exit race, €8.5m could get the job done – report

Manchester United currently seem to be more focused on strengthening in the middle of the park and in goal, if the latest reports are to be believed.

That is why it was revealed that INEOS have pushed back plans to sign a new centre-back until next year.

However, with Lisandro Martinez still out, and following the departures of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof, the club could do with reinforcements, especially in the left centre-back role.

However, given the limited funds on offer, it would most likely be a low-cost operation, which explains the Red Devils’ interest in the likes of Eivind Helland of SK Brann and Motor Lublin’s 18-year-old defensive prodigy Bright Ede.

Bright Ede race

The race for Ede would have been difficult to win, as per what The Peoples Person had relayed previously. Chelsea were in pole position, and had spoken to the club regarding a move before the Club World Cup.

However, as per Polish journalist Sebastian Staszewski, the Blues, along with Benfica, have since left the race, thereby allowing the 20-time English league champions a free run at the Poland U19 international.

🆕🚨Temat transferu Brighta Ede z @MotorLublin stoi w miejscu. W ostatnich tygodniach zarówno Chelsea jak i Benfica właściwie zawiesiły rozmowy na ten temat. W grze zostają @ManUtd i jeden klub z Włoch, który niedawno wysłał zapytanie. Mowa o kwocie 8,5 mln euro plus bonusy.

— Sebastian Staszewski (@s_staszewski) August 21, 2025

In fact, the Old Trafford side have recently enquired about Bright Ede, and are competing with an unnamed Italian side for his signature.

Given the vast financial disparity between the Premier League and Serie A, it would not be too much of an ask for INEOS to win the race should they genuinely want.

Free run for United

“The topic of Bright Ede’s transfer from Motor Lublin is at a standstill. In recent weeks, both Chelsea and Benfica have effectively paused talks on this matter.

“Man Utd and one Italian club, which recently sent an enquiry, remain in the race. The talk is about a sum of 8.5 million euros plus bonuses,” the reporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The Polish ace made his first-team debut at the age of 17, playing six times last season, while scoring once and helping keep one clean-sheet.

He has made a further two starts this season, helping keep one clean-sheet. He can also play as a left wingback, and his current deal is valid 2026 with Motor Lublin having an option to extend it by another year.

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