Manchester United agree £35m fee for Atalanta midfielder Ederson
The 26-year-old Brazilian is set to sign a four-year contract, subject to a medical, as United look to replace Casemiro.
Manchester United have agreed a £35m fee with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, marking the first signing under manager Michael Carrick since his appointment as permanent head coach. The 26-year-old is set to sign a four-year contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months. The deal, which includes £3.9m in additional payments, is subject to a medical and is expected to be completed in early July, prior to United's pre-season training.
The transfer represents the first of potentially up to three central midfield additions Carrick intends to make this summer. United are prioritising midfield reinforcements following the impending departure of Casemiro, whose contract expires at the end of the month. Ederson, who has three international caps for Brazil, proved adaptable across several central midfield roles for Atalanta, scoring 16 goals in 180 games in all competitions.
The recruitment strategy has been driven by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has overseen a revamp of the data analysis operation under Michael Sansoni. The former Mercedes Formula One executive has had significant involvement in identifying targets, working alongside director of football Jason Wilcox. Carrick confirmed his involvement in recruitment meetings from January, when he was named Ruben Amorim's temporary successor.
Beyond the midfield, United are targeting West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, although the club seeks a substantial profit on the Portugal midfielder, who cost in excess of £40m when he joined from Southampton. England's Elliot Anderson is also coveted, although the Nottingham Forest player prefers a move to Manchester City. United are additionally looking for a left-sided player, with Newcastle's Lewis Hall on their radar, and striking support for Benjamin Sesko.
The club is also assessing its goalkeeping options. Former first-choice Andre Onana has been told he can leave, though his wage demands may be a barrier due to a recent increase linked to Champions League qualification. Radek Vitek, who won all player of the year awards on loan at Bristol City, is open to his future but wants regular playing time, suggesting he will not return to Old Trafford as back-up to Senne Lammens.
