Manchester United agree £35m deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson in midfield rebuild

Manchester United have agreed a £35m fee with Atalanta for midfielder Ederson, with the Brazilian set to become Michael Carrick’s first signing at Old Trafford. The 26-year-old is expected to sign a four-year deal, with a further £4m available in add-ons.

Ederson has one year remaining on his Atalanta contract, allowing United to secure him at a relatively modest fee for a player of his profile. He joined the Serie A club in 2022 and has made 180 appearances, scoring 16 goals and contributing to their Europa League triumph in 2024. He has also earned three senior caps for Brazil.

The signing is intended as the first step in a broader midfield overhaul, with Carrick planning at least two additions in the centre of the pitch. Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni is among the other targets, as is Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, though Anderson is considered more likely to join Manchester City. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is also on United’s radar, while Carlos Baleba was of interest last year before a difficult season at Brighton cooled that pursuit.

The rebuild comes as United clear out their existing midfield options. Casemiro is departing on a free transfer after four years at the club, and doubts remain over the future of Manuel Ugarte. Christian Eriksen, who left in 2025, was never replaced, leaving a significant gap that the club is now moving to address.