Man Utd finalise £35m deal for Atalanta’s Ederson: Club confirms medicals in Manchester

Manchester United have clinched a £35 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the 24-year-old Brazilian poised to complete his move to Old Trafford by the end of the week. The agreement, confirmed by the club on Wednesday, follows weeks of intense negotiations and medical checks already underway in Manchester.

Ederson, who has scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in Serie A this season, will undergo final medicals in Manchester on Thursday. Sources close to the deal say the player’s personal terms have already been agreed, with a five-year contract on the table. If completed, the signing will push United’s total spending under Erik ten Hag past £300 million since his appointment in 2022.

The move signals a clear shift in United’s recruitment strategy, prioritising technical midfielders over physical enforcers. Ederson, known for his box-to-box energy and long-range shooting, fits the profile Ten Hag has repeatedly targeted. His arrival could see him compete for a starting role alongside players like Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen.

Atalanta, who had resisted offers below £30 million in January, confirmed the sale after United met their valuation. The Italian club plans to reinvest funds into youth development, a strategy Ederson’s departure supports. The midfielder, who joined Atalanta in 2021, becomes the sixth player to leave under sporting director Gabriele Oriali’s restructuring plan.

The timing of Ederson’s move aligns with United’s need to bolster midfield depth ahead of a congested fixture schedule. With injuries sidelining players like Casemiro, the club views the Brazilian as an immediate solution. Ten Hag’s preference for versatile midfielders who can press, pass, and progress play has been a defining trait of his transfers.

While some critics question the fee for a player yet to establish himself in the Premier League, United’s hierarchy insists Ederson’s potential justifies the outlay. His ability to arrive late in the box and strike from distance adds a new dimension to a team often criticised for lacking cutting edge in attack. The deal, if finalised, will be ratified by the Premier League’s transfer window deadline on March 31.

The confirmation of Ederson’s move comes just days after United terminated their contract with midfielder Scott McTominay, freeing up wage space. The club now turns its attention to finalising the deal before the window closes, with Ederson expected to be unveiled at Old Trafford within 48 hours of the paperwork being completed.