- Man Utd reach agreement to sign Ederson
- Atalanta midfielder set to join the Reds
- Michael Carrick has his first signing as head coach
Manchester United have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson. The Red Devils have moved early to bring the Brazilian to Old Trafford.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have agreed to a €45m package deal, including add-ons. He is set to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a four-year deal with the option of a further year.
A midfield rebuild is United’s priority heading into the summer transfer window. Much like they did with Matheus Cunha last summer, the Reds are trying to get business done early.
Man Utd sign Ederson
That starts with the signing of Ederson, who has snubbed approaches from other clubs and prioritised a move to United. He won’t officially join the club until July due to rules regarding signing players from a Serie A club.
However, Ederson has agreed on personal terms with the club and is likely the first of three new midfield signings. He has years of experience, having won the Europa League with Atalanta in the 2023-24 campaign.
It’s said that United view the 26-year-old as a long-term replacement for Casemiro. That might surprise some fans who envisioned the club moving for a marquee name to fill the void left by the veteran Brazilian.
Ederson has been a mainstay in Atalanta’s team this season, appearing 41 times across competitions, registering four goals and three assists. He has one year left on his contract with the Italian outfit.
Ederson’s profile
Ederson has earned plaudits during his time in Italy with Atalanta. He’s caught the eye each time he’s come up against English opposition, including Liverpool, during the Italians’ Europa League-winning campaign.
TNT Sports’ Adam Summerton has described the Brazilian as a technically sound central midfielder whose versatility can be a valuable asset. He can play as an eight or a deep-lying midfielder and is adaptable, able to operate in a midfield two or three.
He added: “I believe he’s a player United have a fairly long standing interest in, but with contract up in 2027 now perhaps a good time to strike financially as deal to be done.”
Ederson’s injury record is good, and that will enthuse fans and Carrick. The club need to target midfielders who will be available for a return to the UEFA Champions League next season.
The only concern is the report’s claim that United view him as a Casemiro heir. The jury will be out on whether that’s the case, and surely a world-class midfielder such as Aurelien Tchouameni should be the focus for dealing with the Brazilian’s exit.
World Cup call up
Ederson had missed out on a call-up to Brazil’s squad for the World Cup. That was until AS Roma’s Wesley sustained an injury and Carlo Ancelotti turned to the soon-to-be United midfielder.
The Brazilian made the preliminary squad before initially failing to make Ancelotti’s 26-man list. He is now on his way to the United States where he’ll be part of a squad that are attempting to win their sixth World Cup.
