As Casemiro departs, Manchester United gain the upper hand over Atletico Madrid for Atalanta’s tireless engine, offering a superior package to secure the Brazilian’s midfield dominance.
Manchester United have secured a Champions League finish under Michael Carrick after an impressive 2026 display. This has been largely driven by the work of 34-year-old midfielder Casemiro, who has announced his departure at the end of the season.
The veteran midfielder will be leaving a huge hole in United's midfield, leaving the club in deep search for replacements. A potential recruit has been identified: Atalanta's Ederson. The Brazilian has been a relentless engine in Bergamo, playing in 40 games this season.
The midfielder has also caught the eye of Atletico Madrid who will be looking to strengthen their midfield following their recent Champions League side-final exit to Arsenal.
With previous reports revealing that Atletico have already agreed personal terms, the Spanish giants are seeming to take their foot off the gas in their pursue of Ederson. Man United have received a huge boost in their hopes to secure pen to paper.
Ederson favours Old Trafford move
Calciomercato IT have reported that Ederson is edging towards a move to United, giving the Reds the upper hand in the race to secure the signing.
The report reveals that United can offer the 26-year-old a higher salary that Atletico, as well as provide Atalanta with a higher payment fee of £39 million.
The Brazilian has been in United's radar for the past two years, but with his current contract valid until 2027, his price tag is much lower than previous windows.
Whilst Ederson operates primarily as a number eight, he could provide the depth that United need if they aim to compete across all four competitions next season. Availability has been one of Ederson's most appreciated qualities with the midfielder featuring in 142 Atalanta fixtures across the last three seasons.
Furthermore, the midfielder is a fraction of the assumed price of the other potential targets like Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
Where would Ederson fit in the Man Utd squad?
The Serie A has seen Ederson operating as a box-to-box midfielder similar to Man United's Kobbie Mainoo, who is fresh from signing a new contract valid until 2031.
The Brazilian excels in his composure in the ball, driving into space and reading play with confidence to win the ball early and progress in transition.
Another aspect of his game is his physicality, which has become one of the few doubts over Mainoo. Ederson shines at utilising his body to retain and regain possession, whilst also being agile on the ball navigating in tight spaces.
Whilst the Italian top flight does often permit midfielders with more time on the ball, Ederson's quality can undoubtably be translated to the Premier League and could be an integral part of United's future.