Ederson to Manchester United: Brazilian midfielder one step from becoming Carrick's first signing
Manchester United are one step from completing Michael Carrick's first signing as head coach. Ederson, the 26-year-old Brazilian defensive midfielder at Atalanta, has agreed in principle to a move to Old Trafford, with only commission and agent fees left to negotiate between the clubs. Matteo Moretto, speaking on Fabrizio Romano's Italiano YouTube show, said the deal should close next week.
The fee and the contract
Reports on the package vary, but the figures cluster in the same region. Italian and English outlets place the up-front fee somewhere between £34 million and £39 million, with bonuses pushing the total closer to £46 million if all add-ons are triggered. United have offered Ederson a contract through 2031 worth around £100,000 a week, and Atalanta have already begun shortlisting replacements. That's the sign that matters: the Italian side expects the transfer to clear.
A Casemiro-shaped midfield problem
Ederson arrives at the centre of a question Carrick still has to answer for next season. Casemiro has agreed his exit to Inter Miami with his Old Trafford contract running out on 30 June, and United's midfield needs a holding six. Ederson has been Atalanta's engine in Serie A and brings the defensive-anchor profile United have missed since Casemiro's decline. Whether he is the only midfield addition, or whether Carrick also pushes for Sandro Tonali at Newcastle this summer, will shape how big United's window has to be.
Out of Brazil, into pre-season
Ederson does not travel to the 2026 World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti left him out of the 26-man Brazil squad announced on Saturday, with Neymar back in and Thiago Silva left out. The omission has clearly stung the player. It also creates a quiet upside for Manchester United, who get a full pre-season with him while several rivals lose new signings to international duty in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Related Tags:
Cricket Updates
