Manchester United have reached an agreement on personal terms with Atalanta midfielder Ederson Silva, according to reports from Ben Jacobs on Sunday evening. The 26-year-old Brazilian international is set to sign a five-year contract with the club, with club-to-club negotiations progressing well.
United have submitted a verbal offer of €45m (£39m) for Ederson, with Atalanta valuing the player in the €45m-€50m range. This suggests a deal could be completed swiftly as United have already met the lower end of Atalanta’s asking price. The pursuit of Ederson comes as United seek to bolster their midfield options ahead of their return to the Champions League, and following the need to replace Casemiro.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano corroborated the agreement on personal terms, while also providing updates on other midfield targets. Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid and Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest were identified as ‘dream’ targets for United, with the club reportedly viewing Tchouameni as a potential long-term replacement for Casemiro. However, Romano stated that Tchouameni is unwilling to leave Real Madrid, and the Spanish club are also reluctant to sell.
Anderson, meanwhile, is open to a move, but Manchester City have already agreed personal terms with the player. Nottingham Forest are reportedly demanding a fee in excess of £100m for Anderson, with some reports citing a £125m valuation, a figure that City are prepared to meet. Romano concluded that securing either Tchouameni or Anderson is “impossible, probably” for United at this stage.
Other midfielders on United’s radar include Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Carlos Baleba, and Alex Scott. The quick progression of the deal for Ederson suggests United are prioritizing a more attainable target as they reshape their midfield options for the upcoming season. The addition of Ederson would provide manager Michael Carrick with an immediate impact player.
