Manchester United Nears Transfer Deal for Atalanta Midfielder Ederson

Manchester United are reportedly on the cusp of finalising the transfer of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is set to become their first summer signing.

The Red Devils are planning to sign two or three new midfielders this summer. Michael Carrick is already facing challenges with limited options in this area, and he’s about to lose a crucial player in Casemiro.

In addition, the Premier League giants aim to mitigate losses by parting ways with Manuel Ugarte after two underwhelming campaigns at Old Trafford.

Man Utd Secure an Agreement with Atalanta for Ederson

Over the past few months, United have been linked with various midfielders, including Premier League stars like Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson.

However, Ederson, who has been on the club’s radar for over a year now, has emerged as a primary target.

Recent reports from Italy and England confirmed that Man Utd are pushing to secure Ederson’s services to make him their first summer arrival.

On Friday, Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino left the Brazilian on the bench during the team’s final game of the season against Fiorentina.

Following the 1-1 draw, the Italian manager explained his decision was influenced by recent developments in the transfer market.

“It was a decision we agreed with the lad because there’s something there at the transfer market level,” Palladino told TuttoMercatoWeb during his post-match press conference.

“The fact that such a player is being followed by such a big club should be a source of pride.”

On Saturday morning, Italian journalist Matteo Moretto reported that Man Utd and Atalanta have reached a verbal agreement.

The transfer market expert added that Ederson has also agreed to personal terms with the EPL giants, leaving only minor details to be resolved before finalising the transfer.

“Éderson towards Manchester United. The two clubs have reached a verbal agreement and the player has already found an understanding on the contract,” posted Moretto on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

“The very last details on the fees need to be sorted out. New talks in the coming days to reach final closure.”

Ederson to Become the Third Atalanta Player to Join Man Utd in Recent Years

Man Utd have been steadily acquiring players from Serie A lately, having already signed two from Atalanta.

United invested around £24 million to acquire Amad Diallo in 2021. The winger was relatively young and inexperienced at the time but improved at Rangers and Sunderland before rejoining Man Utd’s ranks in 2023, establishing himself as a key player for the club.

During Ruben Amorim’s challenging 14-month tenure, the Ivorian was arguably among the best MUFC players, despite sometimes playing as a wing-back.

While Amad is largely viewed as a notable success, the same cannot be said for Rasmus Hojlund, who cost Man Utd £64 million in the summer of 2023. The Danish striker had a decent first season but struggled in his second campaign, scoring only four league goals.

The 24-year-old was pushed out of the club following Benjamin Sesko’s arrival last summer, moving on loan to Napoli. Hojlund quickly regained his form at the Stadio Maradona, assisting Napoli in securing a Champions League spot next season, thereby triggering his obligation to buy clause.