Manchester United are closing in on a significant summer transfer as Atalanta midfielder Ederson prepares to make his move to Old Trafford official.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed this weekend that all formal steps between the two clubs have been completed, removing any lingering doubt about the deal.
Romano stated on social media: “Man United and Atalanta have sealed all formal steps, Ederson is now a Red Devil. Deal also formally completed between clubs for €45m (£39m) total package, Ederson will sign after holidays as part of agreement.”
Romano also confirmed on X that Ederson “will sign” in July, giving United fans a clear timeline for when the Brazilian will officially put pen to paper.
The 26-year-old arrives at a critical time for the club, with Casemiro’s departure leaving a substantial gap in the heart of Manchester United’s midfield.
Manuel Ugarte, who served as Casemiro’s primary backup last season, is also set to leave Manchester, making the arrival of Ederson even more pressing for manager Michael Carrick.
Ederson has drawn praise from Italian content creator Damiano Coccia, who hailed the Atalanta man as “the strongest defensive midfielder in the world,” a bold claim that United’s recruitment team will be hoping proves accurate.
His numbers from the 2025-26 Serie A season back up that assessment to a degree, with the midfielder recording 30 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist, and an 89% pass accuracy while averaging 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game.
He ranks among the finest 13% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for defensive ground duels won per 90 minutes, and within the finest 21% for tackles and interceptions per 90.
Those statistics paint a picture of a player who does the unglamorous work consistently well, which draws comparisons to former United captain and cult hero Antonio Valencia.
Like Valencia, Ederson is not the flashiest operator on the pitch, but both players share qualities of dependability, physicality, and a no-nonsense approach that simplifies the game for those around them.
Valencia replaced Carrick himself as club captain, and while it was not the most decorated period in United’s history, he remains warmly regarded by supporters at Old Trafford.
Ederson is expected to line up at the base of midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo, though his place in the starting eleven could come under threat if United complete a more high-profile midfield addition.
West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba are both understood to be on United’s radar, with Baleba having already agreed personal terms dating back to last summer.
Elliott Anderson is another name linked with a move to Old Trafford, though Manchester City are currently favourites to secure his signature ahead of their rivals.
At £39m, there is a genuine feeling among observers that Ederson could represent one of the shrewder pieces of business conducted in the Premier League this summer transfer window.