Manchester United are in advanced talks with Atalanta over the signing of midfielder Ederson, with a deal nearing completion at around £38 million. The expected structure is a £35 million guaranteed fee plus £3 million in add-ons, and a full agreement could be reached by the end of the week. The move would strengthen United’s midfield options as the club looks to replace Casemiro, who is expected to depart.
Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino recently hinted that Ederson’s future was in doubt after leaving him on the bench for the draw with Fiorentina, saying a “major club” was interested in the player. Ederson had previously appeared close to joining Atletico Madrid, but the Spanish club’s shift of focus toward Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes has opened the door for Manchester United to move ahead in the race.
United are also continuing to assess alternative midfield targets as part of their wider recruitment plan. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes remain under consideration, suggesting the club is still weighing its options even as progress is made on Ederson.
Ederson’s appeal lies in both his price and his profile. Compared with other midfield targets who could cost more than £100 million, he represents a more affordable option for a club operating under financial constraints. His defensive numbers in Serie A this season have been strong, including 59 tackles, 28 interceptions, and 62 possessions won in the defensive third, placing him among the better-performing midfielders in Italy in those categories.
However, questions remain about how well his game would translate to the Premier League. He is not viewed as the most progressive midfielder on the ball, having completed only two through balls and 371 passes in the final third this season. That is below the output of Casemiro in similar areas, with the Brazilian recording 13 through balls and 436 final-third passes. While Ederson is effective defensively, some observers see his attacking contribution as limited for a player expected to help fill the gap left by Casemiro.
Reaction from Atalanta supporters has also suggested the club may be prepared for his departure. Although fans value his contribution, there is a feeling that Atalanta could replace him without great difficulty, which adds to the view that a fee of about £40 million would be strong value for United.
If completed, the transfer would mark another significant move in Manchester United’s midfield rebuild and reflect the club’s focus on balancing quality with financial discipline.
