Ederson confirms £35m Manchester United move is 'practically all sorted' after World Cup debut

Ederson has publicly confirmed that his move to Manchester United is all but complete, telling Tuttosport: “It’s practically almost all sorted.” The Atalanta midfielder, valued at £35 million, is one of manager Michael Carrick’s primary targets as he looks to overhaul United’s midfield ahead of next season.

The 26-year-old’s comments came after he made his World Cup debut as a substitute in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Haiti, earning his fourth international cap. Ederson had been called up to the squad as a replacement for the injured Wesley, and United were initially expected to wait until after the tournament before finalising the deal.

While the fee has been agreed with Atalanta, the personal terms and formalities of the transfer have yet to be completed. Ederson made clear he intends to stay focused on the tournament in the meantime. “I have to make the most of this moment,” he said. “I am here and it is a wonderful thing, something you must always live to the fullest.”

Ederson is not expected to be United’s only midfield signing this summer. The club have also been linked with Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, though Anderson now appears to be heading to rivals Manchester City. West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, another name on United’s radar, looks set to join Tottenham Hotspur instead.

Former United coach Renee Meulensteen believes the club must be aggressive in the transfer market to address their midfield deficiencies. “United need to sign at least two, if not three midfielders this transfer window,” he said. “That’s the position where they have to really, really strengthen, especially with more competitions coming up.”

Meulensteen also cast doubt on a potential move for Anderson given his price tag. “Anderson has obviously had an outstanding season, and he’s gained interest from the biggest clubs in the league, which just makes his price go up and up,” he said. “I don’t think Man United will pay that for Anderson. To spend so much money on one player would be a big shout.”

With Ederson’s deal close to completion, United appear to have secured at least one of their key midfield targets, though further business is expected before the window closes.