Manchester United agree £38.8m deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson

Manchester United have agreed a deal worth up to £38.8m to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the Brazilian poised to become the first signing of the Michael Carrick era at Old Trafford.

The fee is structured as an initial €40.5m (£35m), with a further €4.5m (£3.8m) in add-ons for the 26-year-old, who had just one year remaining on his contract at the Serie A club. Personal terms have also been settled, with Ederson set to sign a four-year deal with the option of a fifth year, though he still needs to complete a medical before the move is finalised. The transfer is expected to be concluded in early July.

United had monitored Ederson for several years before making their move toward the end of the season. His path to Old Trafford was cleared after talks over a potential switch to Atletico Madrid broke down. Having spent four years at Atalanta, the midfielder’s contract situation made the deal financially attractive for United as they look to reshape their midfield this summer.

Ederson is described as the first piece of the midfield rebuild, but he is unlikely to be the last. United are also in the market for a replacement for Casemiro and could sign as many as three new central midfielders if Manuel Ugarte departs the club.

United also retain a strong interest in West Ham’s Manuel Fernandes, who is expected to leave the London Stadium following the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League.