Man Utd now stepping up pursuit to sign Ecuadorian midfielder likened to Caicedo

Manchester United are increasing their interest in signing Liga de Quito midfielder Ederson Castillo, according to journalist Johanna Calderon.

The Red Devils were first linked with the 17-year-old earlier this month, and it was claimed that they were monitoring him alongside Atletico Madrid.

The club have yet to make formal contact with Liga de Quito for the defensive midfielder, but Calderon says their interest is ‘growing more and more’.

She told DeUnaSF: “We were talking about signings and everything, and I told them about the Ederson Castillo topic, who is another one of the players they were also scouting, and the interest from Manchester United in Ederson Castillo is growing more and more.”

United could enter negotiations for Ederson soon

The Red Devils recently secured an advanced transfer agreement to sign Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF during the summer of 2026.

The club are now exploring Ecuador for quality young talents. Arsenal recently sealed a deal for the highly-rated Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente del Valle.

Castillo has been highlighted as a player with similar potential. He is a specialist number six and has already been likened to Ecuadorian and Chelsea star Moises Caicedo.

The midfielder, who turned 17 earlier this week, has made just six appearances in the Ecuadorian top-flight. Four of those have come during the ongoing season.

He has averaged 36 minutes per league game, but has fared decently. Castillo has completed 84 percent of his passes, while winning 71 percent of his duels contested.

The teenager has also made almost two recoveries per game. He has registered a solitary assist.

It is too early to judge any player’s full potential, but United seem to be stepping up their pursuit of Castillo and could negotiate a pre-transfer agreement soon.

Castillo can only be registered by United in January 2027 after he turns 18.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .