Manchester United remain in advanced negotiations with Atalanta over midfielder Ederson, but the club is yet to finalise the transfer despite agreeing personal terms with the Brazilian international. United have verbally offered €45 million, sitting within Atalanta's €45m–€50m valuation range, though the deal hangs in the balance as the club conducts internal deliberations.
Internal Decision-Making Delays Agreement
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, two distinct factors explain why Manchester United have not closed the signing. First, the club must reach an internal consensus on whether to proceed with Ederson or pursue alternative midfield targets. United currently evaluates several candidates for the position, meaning Ederson's arrival is not yet a done deal despite his willingness to join.
The second reason centres on United's broader recruitment strategy. The Red Devils have dispatched a delegation to Italy to discuss potential incomings and exits across multiple positions. This suggests the club is weighing Ederson against other available midfielders, including Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni. Manager Michael Carrick has also expressed interest in Sandro Tonali, adding further competition for a limited budget allocation.
Strategic Midfield Overhaul
United's midfield refresh comes after Casemiro's departure on a free transfer and plans to sell Manuel Ugarte. The club aims to provide Carrick with two or three new midfielders ready to make an immediate impact ahead of their return to the Champions League. Ederson, a three-cap Brazil international, had appeared the frontrunner, with the player granting Manchester United "total priority" in negotiations.
Yet the club's cautious approach reflects a broader strategic calculation. Rather than rushing into an agreement with Atalanta, United is exploring whether alternative profiles better suit their tactical needs and financial parameters. The decision will ultimately determine whether Ederson becomes the first piece of Carrick's midfield puzzle or whether the club pivots toward a competing option.
