Atalanta midfielder Ederson says a transfer to Manchester United is close to completion, with the move progressing while Ederson features for Brazil at the World Cup. The midfielder speaks after Brazil’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium, confirming talks are advanced but stressing focus on international duty.
Reports in Italy and England indicate Atalanta have accepted an initial 40.5m (34m) offer from Manchester United, with a further 4.5m (3.5m) available in bonuses. The deal is expected to take effect before the 2026-27 season as Michael Carrick attempts to reshape Manchester United’s midfield options.
Ederson is understood to have agreed a four-year contract with Manchester United, including an option for an extra
season. The club seek to reinforce central areas after Casemiro’s departure, and Ederson is viewed as a key addition to Carrick’s long-term structure at Old Trafford.
The transfer had appeared on course to be finalised in early June, but the timetable changed when Brazil called Ederson into the World Cup squad. Flamengo player Wesley suffered an injury, opening a late spot, and Ederson’s international involvement delayed the final steps of the Manchester United move.
Ederson came off the bench to replace Bruno Guimaraes during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti on Friday. Speaking afterwards to Sky Sports Italia, Ederson discussed the situation with Manchester United, while insisting the World Cup experience currently takes priority over personal transfer developments.
Ederson told Sky Sports Italia: "I have to wait. Now I have to enjoy this moment, then we will see. Certainly, everything is almost done, but now I have to enjoy this moment. This is a wonderful experience, and you have to enjoy it the most. "
The midfielder’s display against Haiti continued strong form with Brazil, where Ederson offers energy and defensive work from midfield. That performance prompted Atalanta to highlight Brazil’s result on social media, celebrating the national team’s overnight victory and acknowledging Ederson’s role during the group stage.
Vittoria nella notte per il Brasile di derson Overnight victory for dersons Brazilpic.twitter.com/phqtUrzfbKAtalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) June 20, 2026
Ederson has spent four seasons with Atalanta, becoming central to Gian Piero Gasperini’s system. Ederson helped Atalanta win the 2023-24 Europa League, defeating Bayer Leverkusen in the final. That European success increased interest from major clubs, with Manchester United now moving ahead of rival contenders.
Since joining Atalanta in 2022, Ederson has ranked among Serie A’s most combative midfielders across all competitions. Only Mattia Zaccagni, with 959 duels won, and Bryan Cristante, with 991 duels won, have better figures than Ederson’s 862 duels during that period in Italian football.
Ederson’s contribution is also clear from overall appearances and defensive numbers. Across 180 matches in all competitions for Atalanta, Ederson has scored 16 goals and supplied five assists. Ederson has also made 187 tackles, which places the midfielder fifth among all Serie A players since signing for the Bergamo club.
The statistics below summarise Ederson’s key Atalanta metrics, underlining why Manchester United have targeted the midfielder for the 2026-27 project and beyond.
With Manchester United and Atalanta already aligned on fee and contract framework, attention now centres on timing. Once Brazil’s World Cup campaign ends, Manchester United expect to complete formalities, adding an experienced, physically strong midfielder who has shown consistency in Serie A and European competition.
