News Focus
- Manchester United are moving closer to securing Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta for approximately £42 million
- The 26-year-old has just one year left on his Serie A contract and has earned three caps for Brazil
- This would become Michael Carrick’s first signing since taking permanent charge at Old Trafford
- Club officials stress no final agreement exists yet despite advanced negotiations
Manchester United are deep in negotiations to bring Atalanta midfielder Ederson to Old Trafford this summer. The Premier League giants expect to pay around £42 million for the 26-year-old Brazilian.
Senior figures at the club insist no deal is finalised yet. However, sources suggest the transfer is edging towards completion. Ederson has only 12 months remaining on his current contract with the Italian side.
The move would represent United’s first major purchase of the summer window. It comes as new permanent manager Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his squad after guiding the team to a surprise third-place finish.
United need fresh faces in central midfield following Casemiro’s departure. The future of Manuel Ugarte also remains unclear. The club ideally wants two or three new players in this position.
Chief executive Omar Berrada recently expressed confidence about the club’s direction. This follows news that United made £37.7 million in profits during the first nine months of the financial year. Despite this positivity, the club carries heavy debts totalling nearly £1.3 billion.
The Manchester outfit also owes £482 million in outstanding transfer fees. They recently spent £16.7 million to dismiss former manager Ruben Amorim after just a few months in charge.
Atletico Madrid previously showed interest in Ederson but chose Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes instead. United had also considered Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba, though Anderson favours a move to Manchester City.
West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes represents another option, particularly as the Hammers may sell following their relegation to the Championship. United remain determined to avoid expensive long-term contracts that have caused problems in the past.