Manchester United are pushing ahead with plans to sign Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder Ederson in a £50 million summer deal, outpacing Juventus and Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City. The 25-year-old, dubbed “one of the most intense midfielders in Europe,” has emerged as Ruben Amorim’s top target to revamp a dysfunctional midfield, set to see multiple exits in the summer transfer window.
The Claims
Ederson’s rise in Serie A has got him some fans and plaudits. With 3 goals, 1 assist, 87.1% pass accuracy, and 1.21 interceptions per 90 this season, he’s the complete package United crave. Atalanta want to extend his contract, but the player is stalling, lured by Premier League ambition. CaughtOffside reports United have “signalled an interest,” while Daniele Longo claims the club has already notified Atalanta of their intent to bid.
Juventus, fresh from signing Teun Koopmeiners from Atalanta last summer, are desperate to reunite Ederson with his former teammate. But United’s Premier League charm and potential starting role give them the edge. For Ederson, joining a rebuild at Old Trafford trumps bench warming at City or Liverpool’s settled setup. A move to United may favour the midfielder as a team can be built around the Brazilian who has been a consistent performer in the Serie A.
Why Ederson Fits United
United’s midfield has been a carousel of inconsistency. Casemiro’s decline and Christian Eriksen’s impending exit leave a gaping hole. His 61.4% aerial win rate and 0.96 tackles per 90 mirror Bruno Guimaraes’ impact at Newcastle, a comparison scouts have noted.
Amorim’s 3-4-3 system demands midfielders who can disrupt and dictate. Ederson does both, breaking lines with his aggression while maintaining composure in possession. For a United side ranked 14th in the Premier League and leaking goals, his arrival could anchor a fragile midfield.
Ederson’s signing gains urgency amid reports that Kobbie Mainoo could reject a new contract for a move abroad. Losing the 19-year-old would force United to sign multiple midfielders, but Ederson’s versatility, he can play as a No. 6 or box-to-box, provides tactical flexibility.
The Price
At £50 million, Ederson isn’t a bargain, but he’s a calculated gamble. For context, United paid £70 million for Casemiro in 2022. With INEOS prioritizing value, the Brazilian’s prime age and resale potential will be a big bonus to United in the negotiations. However, competition is fierce. City view him as a long-term recruit, while Liverpool’s recent success will be a pull too.
What’s Next?
United’s hierarchy must act swiftly. Ederson’s camp is open to talks, but delays risk Juventus hijacking the deal or a direct Premier League rival in the shape of Liverpool or Manchester City. For Amorim, landing his top targets could define his next season as he looks to recruit players favouring his 3-4-3 system.