- Manchester United overtake La Liga side in race for Ederson
- Atletico previously agreed terms with Brazilian
- Reds are in search of two central midfielders this summer
Manchester United‘s search for two midfielders has landed them in the running for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
The Red Devils are looking to bolster in the middle of the park, as Casemiro will be leaving next month. Ederson has been on top of Atletico Madrid’s shopping list for the summer, having reportedly agreed on personal terms with the player.
While the Spanish giants appeared to have the paperwork laid for the Brazilian’s signature, United have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit.
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United Handed Boost
According to the latest updates from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the La Liga side have reached a standpoint in the race for Ederson.
The pursuit of the Brazilian is “completely blocked” at this moment, with issues over how much Diego Simeone’s side are prepared to pay. Atletico do not want to pay the £45m set for a player with just one year left on his existing contract.
Subsequently, United have been boosted by this news. For a player they were resigned to losing, it is an unexpected twist in the saga. Ederosn has played 39 times for the Serie A side in 2025/26, playing almost 3,000 minutes as a key starter.
Further reports from journalist Matteo Moretto indicate that Manchester United have now officially “overtaken” Atletico Madrid in the race. The Reds are prepared to pay a salary of £75,000 a week. Currently, Ederson earns around £42,000 a week in Italy, which is just under double his current pay weekly packet.
United believe they are “financially capable” of completing the deal, but still require outgoings. Now that Champions League football is confirmed for 2026/27, United need to beef up their squad beyond the 15-16 players that Michael Carrick has preferred to use during his interim spell. Central midfield is a particular concern in terms of numbers.
Ugarte for Ederson?
United already got ahead of themselves a few summers ago by signing Mason Mount prematurely for a fee of £55m. A season later, and they would have got the former Chelsea midfielder for free. This is a lesson that must be learned under the new regime.
The pursuit of Ederson only makes sense if Manuel Ugarte leaves Old Trafford this summer. United needs to adhere to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), therefore cannot recklessly spend as they will. However, £45m for a ‘second’ midfielder is a relatively cheap price in comparison to other options.
At a projected £45m, the Brazilian is a much cheaper alternative compared to other Premier League targets like Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. The Cameroonian’s price tag is expected to soar beyond £60m, despite a poor season at the Amex.
If United can take advantage of Atleti’s unwillingness to pay, they could have a cheaper-than-anticipated midfield recruitment.
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