News Focus
- Brazilian midfielder set for Old Trafford medical
- Red Devils outbid Atletico Madrid with €45m plus €5m add-ons
- Transfer ranks as fifth largest in Atalanta’s history
- Bergamo club double their money after 2022 purchase
Manchester United have struck a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta for a fee that could reach €50 million. The agreement includes an initial payment of €45 million with a further €5 million available through bonuses.
The Premier League side capitalised after Atletico Madrid failed to meet the Italian club’s asking price. The La Liga outfit had already agreed personal terms with the Brazilian several weeks ago, but they could not stump up the required €50 million. This delay gave United the chance to match the wages and satisfy Atalanta’s valuation.
The transfer represents the fifth biggest sale in Atalanta’s history. The Serie A side originally bought the player from Salernitana for just €22.9 million in the summer of 2022. They now stand to make more than double their initial outlay.
Atalanta have earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most savvy selling clubs. They previously sold Rasmus Højlund to Manchester United for €79.8 million in 2023, which remains their record exit. They also profited handsomely from Cristian Romero, signing him from Juventus for €19.3 million before immediately offloading him to Tottenham Hotspur for €53.8 million in 2022.
The Italian outfit have now sold at least one player for €50 million or more in each of the last five years. This business model allows them to fund new signings while remaining competitive on the pitch. The club also recently banked €35 million from the sale of Ademola Lookman to Atletico Madrid.