Manchester United close in on £39m Ederson deal as Carrick shapes midfield rebuild

Manchester United have agreed a deal worth up to £39m to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the transfer expected to be finalised by early July in what would be Michael Carrick’s first signing as permanent head coach at Old Trafford.

According to The Athletic, United will pay an initial €40.5m (£35m) for the 26-year-old, with a further €4.5m (£4m) in add-ons. Ederson is set to sign a four-year contract with an option for an additional 12 months, subject to completing a medical.

The move brings to a close months of speculation linking Ederson with a switch to United. Talks between the clubs have been ongoing for several weeks, and a formal agreement has now been reached. The deal fills a significant gap left by Casemiro’s departure from Old Trafford.

Carrick, who was appointed permanently last month after winning 11 of his 16 games in interim charge, is targeting a broader overhaul of United’s midfield this summer. Ederson is unlikely to be the only arrival, with the club potentially adding as many as two further midfielders depending on how the window develops.

Among the names being monitored are Mateus Fernandes of West Ham, who is expected to leave following the Hammers’ relegation, though Arsenal are also tracking the player. Carlos Baleba and Sandro Tonali, both with Premier League experience, are also admired by the club’s recruitment staff.

United are additionally keen on Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, who has been in outstanding form and is poised to feature for England at the World Cup. However, Manchester City are currently considered the frontrunners for the former Newcastle midfielder, with Forest believed to be seeking a fee in excess of £100m.