United Transfer News | We move close to first signing of the summer

We are in advanced talks to make Atalanta' midfielder Ederson our first summer signing.

Multiple media sources say the de close to completion, with an initial fee of £35m

Author | Olivia T

We are prioritising strengthening central midfield this summer after the exit of Casemiro and increasef uncertainty over Manuel Ugarte's future.

Ideally the club would like to make two, or possibly three, signings in this area. 

More information about the player and why he'll be a good fit

Ederson was included in Carlo Ancelotti’s provisional 55-man World Cup squad, but the midfielder, who turns 27 in July, narrowly missed out on Brazil’s final 26-man selection.

With only five midfielders chosen, the Selecao may yet come to regret leaving him behind. Still, what is Brazil’s loss could prove to be United’s gain.

Ederson looks like the sort of player who could genuinely improve United’s midfield options at a time when reinforcements are badly needed.

His fellow Brazilian Casemiro is on his way out of Old Trafford, while Manuel Ugarte’s future also remains uncertain. Ederson offers more composure and quality in possession than the Uruguayan, while also covering ground with real energy and intensity.

In many ways, he fits the mould of Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes. After three impressive seasons with Atalanta, the feeling is that Ederson is ready for the next step and perhaps his final campaign in Serie A cost him a place on the plane to the World Cup.

Old Trafford demands players with character and personality, and United supporters will be encouraged by how well Ederson has handled pressure throughout his career.

He first caught the eye at Cruzeiro, one of Brazil’s biggest clubs, during a turbulent period when financial problems and off-field chaos were dragging the side towards collapse.

Even as a 20-year-old in 2019, Ederson stood out in a struggling team that eventually suffered relegation from Brazil’s top flight.

More recently, he has been a key part of an Atalanta side that have consistently exceeded expectations. Two years on from their Europa League success, the time feels right for him to test himself on an even bigger stage.