Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with Ederson, the 26-year-old Atalanta midfielder, ahead of a proposed move worth between €45m and €50m (£38.3m to £43m). According to reports from TeamTalk and corroborated by Fabrizio Romano, the Brazilian has agreed to a five-year contract and is prioritising a move to Old Trafford over interest from Atletico Madrid. Negotiations between the two clubs have reached an advanced stage, with United expected to pay a base fee of approximately £41.5m plus performance-related add-ons to secure the defensive midfielder.
Atalanta confirm advanced negotiations for Ederson
The deal moved closer to completion after Ederson was omitted from Atalanta’s final Serie A fixture against Fiorentina on May 22. Speaking after the match, manager Raffaele Palladino confirmed the absence was due to "concrete negotiations with a top club." The midfielder enters the final two years of his current contract this summer, a factor that has likely influenced Atalanta's willingness to sanction a sale now rather than risk a valuation drop in 2025. Having played 36 league games during the 2023/24 campaign, Ederson has established himself as one of Serie A's most durable and high-energy ball-winners, fitting the recruitment profile preferred by the INEOS-led sporting department.
Carrick’s midfield rebuild and alternative targets
With Michael Carrick now confirmed as the permanent head coach at Old Trafford, the arrival of Ederson signals a formal pivot away from the ageing profile of Casemiro. Ederson’s ability to cover ground and support the defensive transition is designed to provide greater security for Kobbie Mainoo. While Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his latest transfer update, noted that Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni remains a "dream" target for United, he clarified that the Spanish champions have no intention of selling the Frenchman. United had also explored a move for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, though reports suggest Manchester City are currently leading the race for his signature having already agreed personal terms.
The club remains in discussions with Atalanta to finalise the structure of the payment as they look to conclude the deal before the start of pre-season training.