Manchester United have reached an agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazilian midfielder Ederson.
Talks between the two clubs have concluded over a deal worth €45 million, comprising a guaranteed €40.5m payment and €4.5m in add-ons.
The 26-year-old had already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils. He paused negotiations with other interested clubs to prioritise a move to Old Trafford.
Ederson will sign a four-year contract with the option of a fifth.
The transfer is a significant moment in United’s summer rebuild. With Casemiro departing on a free transfer and Manuel Ugarte available for the right offer, midfield reinforcements are a priority.
Ederson had long been on United’s radar and seemed destined for Atletico Madrid before they shifted their focus to Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes.
Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino hinted at Ederson’s impending departure by leaving him out of the starting line-up for the club’s final Serie A fixture – a 1-1 draw with Fiorentina.
He stated there was ‘a concrete negotiation with a top club’ underway.
Ederson joined Atalanta from Salernitana and established himself as one of Serie A’s most influential midfielders.
His exceptional work rate and physicality make him an ideal fit for the demands of Premier League football.
His ability to carry the ball forward, make progressive passes, and dictate play as an anchorman could allow Kobbie Mainoo to push further up the pitch in United’s midfield.
The deal serves as a significant early statement from manager Michael Carrick, who secured Champions League qualification for United last season.
The club are expected to sign at least one more midfielder, with West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes among the players being monitored.
