Manchester United close in on Atalanta midfielder Ederson as Casemiro replacement

Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson — not to be confused with the Manchester City goalkeeper — as Michael Carrick’s side look to fill the void left by Casemiro, whose contract expires next month after a spell that ultimately justified his £70 million fee.

The 26-year-old Brazilian has emerged as United’s top transfer priority this summer, with the Italian club valuing him at approximately £38.3 million — a fee United are reportedly willing to meet. Crucially, Ederson is said to have agreed terms in principle with the club and has paused discussions with other interested parties to facilitate a move to Old Trafford.

Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino offered a telling confirmation of the situation after Ederson was left on the bench during his side’s 1-1 draw with Fiorentina. “Ederson out? It was a decision we agreed with the boy because there’s something going on in the transfer market,” Palladino said. “The fact that such a player is being followed by such a big club should be a source of pride.”

Ederson is primarily a ball-winning midfielder, though his athleticism and technical ability allow him to operate in a box-to-box role. He is noted for his game-reading, strong tackling, and ability to disrupt opposition transitions early. His upper-body strength makes him difficult to dispossess, and his instinct after winning possession is to drive forward and build attacks.

Having spent the past two transfer windows reinforcing their attack and defence, United are now expected to prioritise midfield recruitment, with several signings anticipated across the summer.

Ederson is not the only name on the club’s shortlist. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has also been identified as a major target, but Forest are expected to demand in excess of £100 million for the England international. Manchester City’s reported interest in Anderson further complicates any potential deal, making Ederson the more straightforward and cost-effective option at this stage.