Manchester United have officially reached an agreement to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson in what is expected to become the first major signing of the Michael Carrick era at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian midfielder is set to join the Red Devils in a deal worth an initial £34 million, with a further £3.8 million in performance-related add-ons. The total package could rise to nearly £38 million. Ederson is expected to sign a four-year contract with an option for an additional year once he completes his medical.
Carrick Gets His First Signing
Following his appointment as Manchester United manager, Michael Carrick made midfield reinforcement one of his top priorities.
United have been monitoring Ederson for well over a year and view the 26-year-old as a perfect fit for the Premier League. The move comes as Casemiro prepares to leave the club, while uncertainty also surrounds the future of Manuel Ugarte.
The club believes Ederson can bring energy, athleticism and defensive stability to a midfield that struggled for consistency last season.
Who Is Ederson?
Ederson has quietly become one of Serie A's most complete midfielders during his time with Atalanta.
Since arriving in Bergamo in 2022, he has made around 180 appearances, helping the Italian club win the Europa League and establish themselves as regular European contenders. His combination of ball-winning ability, stamina and intelligent movement has attracted interest from several top European clubs.
The Brazilian international is capable of playing as:
- Defensive midfielder
- Box-to-box midfielder
- Deep-lying playmaker
- Central midfield enforcer
That versatility is one of the main reasons United pushed hard to complete the deal.
Why Manchester United Wanted Him
United's recruitment team believe Ederson fits exactly what the squad currently lacks.
Unlike Casemiro, who relied heavily on positioning and experience, Ederson brings mobility and intensity across the pitch. His ability to recover possession and immediately drive forward with the ball is viewed as a major asset.
Several analysts have described the signing as one of the smartest value deals of the summer transfer window, especially given the rising prices for elite midfielders across Europe.
What Happens Next?
The transfer is expected to be finalized before July, pending a successful medical.
Manchester United are also believed to be targeting at least one additional midfielder this summer as Carrick continues reshaping the squad for a return to Champions League football. Players such as Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson have all been linked with potential moves.
Fan Reaction
The reaction among Manchester United supporters has been largely positive.
Many fans see Ederson as a hardworking, proven performer who has excelled in one of Europe's toughest leagues. Others believe the move represents a welcome shift away from the club's previous strategy of spending huge fees on aging stars.
Final Verdict
Manchester United needed midfield reinforcements.
Michael Carrick needed his first statement signing.
Ederson appears to satisfy both requirements.
If the Brazilian can replicate his Atalanta form in the Premier League, United may have secured one of the summer's smartest transfers for under £40 million.