Manchester United Secure £35m Agreement for Atalanta Midfielder Ederson

Manchester United have reached a £35 million (€40.5 million) agreement with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson. The 26-year-old is set to ink a four-year contract with the club, which includes a clause allowing for a further 12-month extension.

While the transfer fee has been agreed upon, Ederson has yet to undergo a medical examination. Sources indicate the move is expected to be finalized in early July, prior to the start of United’s pre-season training. Upon completion, he will become the first new signing under Michael Carrick, who was named permanent head coach last month. The final deal structure also includes £3.9 million (€4.5 million) in potential add-ons.

This acquisition marks the beginning of a potential midfield overhaul, with Carrick aiming to add up to three central midfielders this summer. This strategic focus addresses a significant void left by the impending departure of 34-year-old Casemiro, whose contract expires at the month’s end.

Ederson, who holds three caps for Brazil, was included in manager Carlo Ancelotti’s 55-man preliminary World Cup squad but was not selected for the final roster.

United’s recruitment interests extend beyond Ederson. The club is targeting West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, though the London side, having been relegated, expects a substantial profit on the Portuguese midfielder, whom they acquired for over £40 million from Southampton last summer. Additionally, United are interested in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, although the England international reportedly favors a move to Manchester City.

Off the pitch, United are also seeking to bolster their left flank, with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall among those being monitored. In attack, the club is looking for support for Benjamin Sesko. The makeup of the goalkeeper department remains under review; 22-year-old Czech prospect Radek Vitek, who enjoyed a standout loan spell at Bristol City where he collected all club player of the year awards, is in the mix. Vitek told BBC Sport in April that while he is open to his future, he requires regular playing time and does not intend to return to Old Trafford merely as a backup to Senne Lammens.

Meanwhile, former first-choice Andre Onana has been informed he is free to leave, though his potential exit may be complicated by his wage demands, which have risen following United’s qualification for next season’s Champions League.

At Atalanta, Ederson has demonstrated versatility in central midfield, contributing 16 goals in 180 appearances across all competitions for the Serie A side.

The recruitment process has been heavily influenced by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority ownership. Under the leadership of Michael Sansoni, a former high-ranking Mercedes Formula One executive, United have overhauled their data analysis operations. Sansoni has worked closely with director of football Jason Wilcox to identify suitable targets. Carrick confirmed that he has participated in recruitment meetings since stepping in as Ruben Amorim’s temporary successor in January.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-02 22:24:08 UTC