Manchester United’s midfield is set to be rebuilt this summer after years of weakness, with Ederson close to being the first signing.
Michael Carrick’s appointment is imminent, and after this, we can assume the transfer business will commence.
Manchester United have countless midfield targets, with different price categories, with three additions needed to build depth.
Now, Ederson of Atalanta looks close to completion.
What are your thoughts on Ederson being linked to Man Utd? Is he what we need?
Manchester United close in on Ederson deal
This summer is all about the midfield for Manchester United, with Casemiro leaving the club and Manuel Ugarte also likely to depart.
This means multiple signings are required, and Ederson has emerged as increasingly likely.
Now, according to the CEO of Sport Italia, Michele Criscitiello, a deal is very close.
The reporter took to X, tweeting that a deal between United and the Serie A side Atalanta was ‘almost closed’ for a fee of €48m up front, plus €5m in total (£43m).
He added that it was close to an ‘agreement on all fronts’ over the transfer, which would be United’s first addition of the summer.
This follows Fabrizio Romano claiming contacts were active for Ederson. Additionally, the Daily Mail reported Ederson is keen on the move, and talks were expected to continue, although they claimed a fee of £43m was more likely.
Ederson isn’t a popular signing, but it seems very clear that United likes him, and a deal seems to be ticking closer.
Pick your DREAM summer midfield rebuild within the reported budgets…
Who is the first name you want?
Manchester United must only sign Ederson as a Manuel Ugarte replacement
With links to Mateus Fernandes ramping up, United’s midfield rebuild is becoming clearer, but Ederson remains one of the least exciting names on the list.
Ederson will be 27 by the time pre-season begins, yet he hasn’t got Premier League experience nor is he recognised internationally, with Carlo Ancelotti snubbing him for Brazil.
On the pitch, Ederson is also underwhelming, impressive in tackles and recovery running, but on the ball is nothing impressive.
But he would be an upgrade on Manuel Ugarte, thanks to his physicality and being more robust, safer in possession, and suiting Premier League football more.
Ederson record vs English opposition
The biggest fear over a signing like this would be Ederson’s suitability for Premier League football, but he’s already faced English opposition this season and been fine.
Ederson played in Atalanta’s 2-1 win over Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, who were far better than the current version of the Blues, and he did really well.
He won seven of 10 duels, made 10 recoveries, two of two dribbles, and one key pass.
This signing isn’t the disaster it’s being made out to be, but it is important he isn’t brought in as a Casemiro replacement. More as the Ugarte replacement.
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