Manchester United finalise £35m deal with Atalanta's Ederson for midfield boost

Manchester United have agreed a £35m transfer fee with Atalanta for Brazil midfielder Ederson.

United secure midfielder Manchester United have reached an agreement with Serie A side Atalanta for the permanent transfer of 26-year-old Brazil international Ederson. The deal is valued at £35 million, which translates to 40.5 million euros. United will sign the player on a four-year contract with a 12-month extension clause included. Before the move is officially completed, Ederson must undergo a medical examination. ## Transfer timeline and conditions The acquisition of Ederson is expected to finalise in early July, just before Manchester United begin their preseason preparations. The total value of the transaction could rise by £3.9 million if certain performance-related conditions are met. This move marks the club’s first signing since Michael Carrick was named as the permanent head coach last month. The agreement remains contingent on the successful completion of the medical. ## Midfield targets after Casemiro exit Manchester United are focusing on reinforcing their central midfield department this summer. The need for reinforcements has grown following the announced departure of Casemiro, 34, whose contract with the club will conclude at the end of the month. Ederson brings experience and versatility to the role, having featured in multiple positions across Atalanta’s midfield. His arrival could help address the void left by the Brazilian midfielder’s exit. ## Additional recruitment plans Beyond Ederson, Manchester United are actively pursuing other midfield options to bolster Carrick’s squad. Targets include West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, though the London club insists on securing a substantial return for the Portuguese player, who joined them for over £40 million last summer. England international Elliot Anderson is also on United’s shortlist, although the player has expressed a preference to join Manchester City instead. ## Left-sided options and attacking support In addition to midfield reinforcements, Manchester United are evaluating options on the left flank. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall is among the names being considered for a potential move. The club is also exploring options to provide additional striking support for Benjamin Sesko, though no specific names have been confirmed at this stage. ## Goalkeeper situation remains open Manchester United have yet to finalise their goalkeeper situation for the upcoming season. Radek Vitek, who impressed during a loan spell at Bristol City, is a candidate to join the squad permanently. The 22-year-old Czech goalkeeper stated in April that he is open to discussions about his future but emphasised the importance of regular playing time. This suggests he may not return to Old Trafford as a backup option to Senne Lammens. Former first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana has been informed he can seek opportunities elsewhere. ## Ederson’s club career and international background Ederson has established himself as a versatile midfielder during his time at Atalanta, featuring in 180 appearances across all competitions and scoring 16 goals. The 26-year-old has earned three caps for Brazil’s national team. He was included in a preliminary 55-man squad for the World Cup but was ultimately omitted from the final selection by manager Carlo Ancelotti. ## Recruitment strategy under new leadership Manchester United’s recruitment strategy has been shaped by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has overseen a revamp of the club’s data analysis department. Michael Sansoni, who previously held a senior role at Mercedes Formula One, has played a key role in identifying potential targets. Sansoni has worked closely with director of football Jason Wilcox throughout the process. Michael Carrick confirmed that he has been involved in recruitment discussions since taking over as interim manager in January.