Manchester United agree £35m deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Italian club Atalanta to sign Brazil midfielder Ederson for £35m (€40.5m), according to a single-source report. The 26-year-old is expected to sign a four-year contract with a 12-month extension option, and the deal includes up to £3.9m (€4.5m) in additional payments. Ederson still requires a medical, and the transfer is anticipated to be completed in early July before United’s return to pre-season training. He will become the club’s first signing since Michael Carrick was appointed permanent head coach last month. The report states that Ederson’s arrival is the first of potentially three central midfield additions this summer, an area weakened by the departure of compatriot Casemiro, whose contract expires at the end of June. United are also targeting West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, and Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, while their goalkeeping situation remains fluid with Andre Onana told he can find another club and Radek Vitek seeking regular playing time.
What’s reported
Manchester United agreed a £35m (€40.5m) fee with Atalanta for Brazil midfielder Ederson.
Ederson, 26, will sign a four-year deal with an option to extend by 12 months.
The transfer is subject to a medical and should be completed before United’s pre-season training in early July.
Additional payments of £3.9m (€4.5m) are included in the deal.
Ederson will be United’s first signing since Michael Carrick was appointed permanent head coach last month.
This is the first of up to three central midfield additions Carrick expects this summer.
United also want West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes (relegated), Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson (who prefers Manchester City), and Newcastle’s Lewis Hall.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana has been told he can find another club, while Radek Vitek wants regular playing time.
Ederson scored 16 goals in 180 games for Atalanta across all competitions.
United’s data analysis operation was revamped under Michael Sansoni, working with director of football Jason Wilcox.
Open questions
Whether Andre Onana will find a club willing to meet his wage demands given United’s Champions League qualification.
Whether Radek Vitek will leave United or stay as back-up.
When Ederson’s medical will take place and how quickly the three midfield additions will materialize.
Key figures
Ederson (Brazil midfielder, 26, Atalanta)
Michael Carrick (Manchester United head coach)
Casemiro (former Manchester United midfielder, contract expiring)
Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil national team manager)
Mateus Fernandes (West Ham midfielder)
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest midfielder)
Lewis Hall (Newcastle left-sided player)
Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United striker)
Radek Vitek (Manchester United goalkeeper, on loan at Bristol City)
Senne Lammens (Manchester United goalkeeper)
Andre Onana (Manchester United goalkeeper)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe (Manchester United minority owner)
Michael Sansoni (data analysis operation head)
Jason Wilcox (director of football)
Ruben Amorim (former Manchester United manager)
Sources: BBC News
