Manchester United are hoping their £91million history with Atalanta gives them the inside track in the race for Brazil midfielder Ederson.
The Serie A side have become something of a feeder club for Old Trafford in recent years. Amad. Rasmus Hojlund. Big money. Big deals. Now United want to add Ederson to that list.
And his expiring contract could make him a bargain.
The numbers that matter
United have already splashed serious cash on Atalanta recruits. Amad arrived in 2021 for £18million (plus add ons). Hojlund followed two years later for £73million.
That’s £91million. Not small change.
Hojlund is currently on loan at Napoli and will complete a permanent summer switch for £44million. Amad, by contrast, has become a key player under Michael Carrick and signed fresh terms last year.
One hit. One miss. But the relationship remains strong.
Why Ederson makes sense
Casemiro is leaving. Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount have question marks hanging over them. United need a midfielder. Ederson fits the profile.
He’s been a reliable presence for Atalanta, part of the squad that won the Europa League in 2024 and finished as Coppa Italia runners up the same year.
But here’s the kicker. His contract expires next year. That means a cut price deal.
Agent: ‘They could halve his price’
Ederson’s agent, Andre Cury, spelled it out late last year.
“He is close to the end of the contract, they could halve his price, between €30m and €40m,” Cury said on Que t’hi Jugues.
“But he is a spectacular player who has one of the best numbers in Europe in his position. Before, Atalanta asked for between €60m and €75m.”
That’s a significant drop. From £50m/£60m down to £25m/£35m. Bargain territory.
No formal bids yet
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has confirmed there’s been no formal offers. Just interest.
“So far, we do not have any formal offers, just informal interest from clubs,” Percassi said recently.
“But it is natural that we have players who attract the interest of big clubs and we’ll evaluate them at the opportune moment.”
Atletico Madrid are also understood to be keen. But Ederson is said to prefer a Premier League move.
The bottom line
United need a midfielder. Atalanta need to cash in before Ederson’s contract runs down. The two clubs have done business before, big business.
That £91million history could grease the wheels.
No formal bids yet. But the pieces are moving. And United are in pole position.
Now they just need to get the deal done before someone else does.
