Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino has confirmed that midfielder Ederson is in negotiations with a 'major club', with Manchester United reportedly on the verge of signing the Brazilian for £45 million. United have prioritized midfield reinforcements this summer, targeting several players including Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Aurelien Tchouameni, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali. The club aims to sign at least two new midfielders, potentially three if Manuel Ugarte follows Casemiro out of Old Trafford.
Ederson Emerges as Key Target
Ederson, 26, has become a primary target for United, with reports from Italy indicating that the Premier League side is close to sealing a £45 million move. Atalanta concluded their Serie A campaign with a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina on Friday, with Ederson omitted from the squad. Palladino explained the midfielder's absence, stating that a major club is pursuing him and that the decision to leave him out was mutual, given the ongoing transfer discussions.
'Ederson is out because a major club is following him,' Palladino told reporters. 'It was a decision we agreed with the boy because there is something there at the transfer market level. The fact that such a player is being followed by such a big club must be a source of pride.'
Details of the Deal
Although Palladino did not explicitly name Manchester United, further reports in Italy claim that the Premier League side is on the brink of finalizing the transfer. The deal is reportedly worth €48 million (£41.5 million) upfront, with an additional €5 million (£4.3 million) in performance-related bonuses. Ederson, who was left out of Brazil's World Cup squad by Carlo Ancelotti, is now expected to travel to Manchester to complete the move.
Atletico Madrid also held talks with Atalanta regarding Ederson but failed to reach an agreement. United's midfield has been stretched thin this season, and Casemiro's impending departure will leave a significant gap. The former Real Madrid star bid farewell to Old Trafford last weekend during the win over Nottingham Forest and will not feature against Brighton on the final day of the season.
