Manchester United is close to securing Atalanta midfielder Ederson as its first summer signing under newly appointed permanent manager Michael Carrick, following reports on Saturday that a transfer fee and contract terms have been agreed upon.
The Red Devils are executing an aggressive strategy to secure multiple midfield targets before the upcoming World Cup, looking to fill the vacancy left by veteran midfielder Casemiro, who is departing Old Trafford for Inter Miami.
According to multiple Italian outlets, including SportItalia, Manchester United has agreed to a deal worth 48 million euros, consisting of a 41.5 million pound upfront fee plus an additional 4.3 million pounds in performance bonuses.
Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino confirmed the ongoing transfer market developments on Friday night after leaving the 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder out of his squad during a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina.
"Ederson is out because a major club is following him," said Palladino.
The Italian manager expressed approval regarding the interest shown in the player by a prominent European team during the post-match press conference.
"It was a decision we agreed with the boy because there is something there at the transfer market level," said Palladino.
The club hierarchy views this high-profile interest as a testament to the quality and progression of their squad members.
"The fact that such a player is being followed by such a big club must be a source of pride," said Palladino.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano provided additional context regarding the transfer situation, explaining that the Brazilian midfielder formally indicated his intention to seek a move away from the Serie A side.
"Ederson communicated this week to Atalanta that he's not going to sign a new contract," said Romano.
The reporter noted that the contractual status of the player creates a favorable opportunity for interested clubs in the transfer market.
"His current deal expires in summer 2027, so obviously it's a big opportunity for an important midfielder," said Romano.
The transfer specialist clarified that the English club maintains multiple options as they look to revamp their midfield options for the upcoming season.
"Then, I'm not saying that Manchester United are only going for Ederson," said Romano.
The Premier League club is actively managing several parallel negotiations to fulfill the recruitment demands of their technical department.
"The understanding is that Manchester United are in contact with his camp and are aware of the situation," said Romano.
The decision not to extend his stay in Italy effectively guarantees his departure during the upcoming summer transfer window.
"Not signing a new deal means that Ederson is leaving Atalanta this summer, definitely," said Romano.
The English club has established communication channels with the player's representatives while evaluating other alternatives.
"So the communication has arrived, Manchester United are informed, but Manchester United have several names on their shortlist for midfield," said Romano.
The player represents an accessible target due to his desire to move to Old Trafford and his refusal to renew his contract.
"Ederson is one of them," said Romano.
The club has placed several high-profile players on their target list to complete their central midfield overhaul.
"Ederson is one of the easiest options they have on this list, again because his contract is expiring and he's not going to sign a new deal despite it running until 2027," said Romano.
The Brazilian international has indicated a strong personal preference to finalize a move to the English side.
"And also because Ederson would be very keen on a move to Manchester United," said Romano.
The club continues to monitor multiple situations across Europe to fulfill its summer squad objectives.
"But at the moment, again, he's not the only one, and there are plenty of options," said Romano.
Tonali Also on United's Radar
In addition to the Ederson negotiations, Spanish reports state that Carrick has requested the signing of Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, with United considering an 80 million euro fixed bid plus add-ons, while Newcastle values the Italian playmaker at 86 million pounds.
Manchester United concludes its domestic campaign against Brighton on Sunday, having already secured third place and qualification for the Champions League next season.
