Manchester United have reached an agreement on personal terms with Atalanta midfielder Ederson, according to reports from journalist Nicolo Schira. The Brazilian playmaker has agreed to a contract worth €5 million per year through 2031, with INEOS ready to offer €45 million (£39m) to the Italian club to finalize the transfer this summer.
Ederson had emerged as a primary target for Atletico Madrid, but their pursuit has stalled over financial demands. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Atletico are unwilling to meet Atalanta's valuation of €45m for a midfielder with just three years remaining on his current deal. The Spanish side have since pivoted toward Joao Gomes of Wolverhampton as a more economical option, effectively halting their Ederson negotiations.
United's Midfield Overhaul Takes Shape
The collapse of Atletico's interest opens a clear pathway for Manchester United, who are actively rebuilding their midfield department ahead of next season. The club requires multiple reinforcements to address deficiencies in central midfield, with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte expected to leave Old Trafford. Ederson would represent a considerably cheaper alternative to other targets like Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali, and Elliot Anderson.
However, Romano has tempered expectations, suggesting Ederson remains only one of several midfield candidates under consideration at United rather than an absolute priority for the INEOS hierarchy. The Red Devils' recruitment strategy encompasses multiple avenues across European football, with final decisions still pending on their primary transfer targets.
United's pursuit of the Atalanta playmaker demonstrates their ambition to strengthen central midfield depth, though whether the deal advances depends on negotiations with the Italian club and competition from rival suitors across Europe's elite leagues.
