United Move For Atalanta Midfielder
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazilian midfielder Éderson in a deal worth an initial €40.5m, or £35m.
The transfer could rise to €45m, or £38.8m, with add-ons. If completed, Éderson will become the first signing of Michael Carrick’s tenure as permanent manager.
Carrick Begins Midfield Rebuild
Éderson was identified by Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox as a replacement for Casemiro, who has now left United following the expiry of his contract.
The move reflects United’s intention to reshape their midfield with younger, more dynamic players as Carrick begins building the squad around his long-term plans.
Personal Terms Already Agreed
Personal terms have been agreed with Éderson on a contract running until June 2030.
The agreement also includes an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months. The summer transfer window opens on 15 June, but the move is expected to be completed early next month once the player undergoes a medical.
A Holding Midfielder With Energy
Éderson’s primary role is as a holding midfielder, but his game also includes the energy to cover ground and make box-to-box runs.
He is valued for his ability to read play, disrupt opposition attacks and provide defensive structure in midfield, qualities United have been seeking as they move on from Casemiro.
Ugarte’s Future Uncertain
Manuel Ugarte, another defensive midfielder in the squad, rarely featured last season.
After joining United from Paris Saint-Germain for £51m in the summer of 2024, Ugarte could now be sold or loaned as the club reassesses its midfield options.
Éderson’s Career Path
Éderson joined Atalanta in January 2022 from Salernitana after previously playing in Brazil for Cruzeiro, Corinthians and Fortaleza.
He turns 27 next month and has developed into a key figure for Atalanta, earning attention from major European clubs because of his physicality, discipline and tactical intelligence.
Brazil International Recognition
Éderson made his Brazil debut in a friendly against Mexico in June 2024.
He has earned three caps for the national team, with his most recent appearance coming in a 4-1 defeat to Argentina in March 2025. He was also included in Carlo Ancelotti’s initial 55-man squad before the World Cup, though he did not make the final selection.
United Want Another Midfielder
Carrick is still intent on signing two new midfielders this summer, meaning Éderson may be only the first part of a wider rebuild.
United’s shortlist includes Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
Several Expensive Alternatives
Tchouaméni would cost around £70m, while United value Baleba at about £50m.
Wharton is expected to cost at least £60m, and Anderson could be priced at a minimum of £100m by Nottingham Forest. Anderson is also believed to favour a move to Manchester City.
A Statement Start For Carrick
The agreement for Éderson gives Carrick an important first piece in his attempt to refresh Manchester United’s midfield.
With Casemiro gone and Ugarte’s future uncertain, United are moving quickly to add energy, defensive intelligence and long-term stability in the centre of the pitch. The deal also signals that Carrick and Wilcox are prioritizing midfield control as the foundation of the club’s next phase.
