Casemiro recommends Ederson to Man United as £39m deal nears decisive meeting

Manchester United are closing in on a £39million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the two clubs set to hold a decisive meeting on Tuesday to finalise terms — a move reportedly backed by departing United star Casemiro, who recommended the Brazilian before leaving Old Trafford.

Casemiro’s contract expires at the end of the month, ending a four-season spell at the club. The former Real Madrid midfielder struggled at times in the Premier League but played a significant role in United’s return to the Champions League, helping the club finish third. His exit, combined with the expected departure of Manuel Ugarte, leaves Michael Carrick’s midfield thinly staffed, with Kobbie Mainoo the primary holding option alongside more attack-minded players Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.

United had hoped to bring Ederson in ahead of pre-season, but those plans have been complicated by a late call-up to Brazil’s squad for the World Cup. The 26-year-old has linked up with Casemiro in the national setup under Carlo Ancelotti, and Brazil’s tournament schedule means the final falls after United’s first pre-season fixture.

While the transfer could technically be completed during the tournament, it would require cooperation from both the player and the Brazilian football federation. United have already agreed a four-year contract with an option for a further year, but a medical and the signing of paperwork still need to be completed. The more realistic scenario sees Ederson wrap up those formalities once Brazil’s World Cup campaign concludes, before being granted a short break ahead of the new season.

Ederson, who came through at Corinthians and Fortaleza before establishing himself at Atalanta, has earned three senior caps for Brazil. His arrival would address what Carrick’s recruitment team had already identified as a priority area before Casemiro’s exit made the need more pressing.

United’s midfield business is not expected to stop with Ederson. Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes have both been linked with a move to Old Trafford as the club looks to reshape the engine room ahead of next season.