By Francis Onyach - Reporter
UK, May 27, 2026 - Manchester United are reportedly closing in on one of their biggest transfer decisions of the summer after Brazilian midfielder Éderson agreed personal terms with the club ahead of a possible move from Atalanta.
According to multiple reports across Italy and England, the 26-year-old midfielder has already informed Atalanta that he does not intend to sign a new contract and wants to leave the Serie A club during the current transfer window.
Manchester United and Atalanta have reportedly been in discussions for weeks over a transfer package believed to be worth around €45 million, although some outlets claim the final valuation could rise closer to €50 million with bonuses included.
Manchester United’s midfield rebuild has become one of the club’s top priorities heading into the new season.
The club is preparing for major changes in central midfield, with the confirmation of Casemiro’s departure and questions continuing over squad balance, energy levels, and defensive coverage in midfield. Reports suggest United want younger, more athletic midfielders capable of handling the intensity of Premier League football.
Éderson has emerged as one of the standout midfielders in Serie A over the last few seasons because of his ball-winning ability, aggressive pressing, physicality, tactical intelligence, and the ability to carry the ball forward under pressure.
At Atalanta, he became known as one of the most complete box-to-box midfielders in Italian football, helping the club compete domestically and in Europe.
Former Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini had previously praised Éderson’s ability to dominate midfield duels and recover possession consistently.
Manchester United have already reached an agreement with the player regarding salary and contract length.
Reports indicate Éderson is prepared to sign a long-term contract running until 2031, with wages believed to be around €5 million per year.
The midfielder reportedly paused discussions with other clubs last week as he waits for Manchester United to decide whether to finalize the move.
That detail has intensified speculation that Old Trafford is currently his preferred destination.
Before Manchester United accelerated their interest, Atlético Madrid were widely considered the frontrunners for Éderson’s signature.
Spanish reports claimed Atlético had already reached verbal agreements with the player earlier in the year. However, negotiations with Atalanta reportedly stalled after the Italian club refused to lower their asking price.
As Manchester United entered the race more aggressively, Atlético shifted attention toward alternative midfield options, opening the door for United to move ahead.
Arsenal had also been linked with the Brazilian at different stages, although reports suggest they are now prioritizing other targets.
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Despite progress in negotiations, the transfer has not yet been finalized.
According to reports, Manchester United are still evaluating several midfield options before making a final decision on whether to proceed immediately with the Éderson deal.
The club has also been linked with:
- Elliot Anderson
- Sandro Tonali
- Aurélien Tchouaméni
- João Gomes
- Mateus Fernandes
Financial considerations may also influence timing, especially with United balancing Financial Fair Play regulations and possible outgoing transfers.
Signs are growing that Atalanta are preparing for Éderson’s exit.
The midfielder was recently left out of a Serie A fixture amid what club officials described as “concrete negotiations” with a major club.
Italian reports suggest Atalanta are willing to sell now rather than risk the player’s value dropping later, especially after he reportedly decided against extending his contract.
If completed, the deal would become one of Atalanta’s biggest player sales in recent years, continuing the strong transfer relationship between the Italian club and Manchester United after previous business involving Rasmus Højlund.
Would Éderson Fit Manchester United?#
From a tactical perspective, many analysts believe Éderson fits the type of midfielder Manchester United currently lack.
His playing style is viewed as better suited to the modern Premier League than some of United’s older midfield options.
For Manchester United, the pursuit of Éderson represents more than just another transfer rumor.
It reflects a broader attempt to rebuild the squad with younger, more dynamic players capable of restoring competitiveness at the highest level.
While the deal is not officially completed yet, negotiations appear advanced, personal terms are reportedly agreed, and the player himself is said to be waiting for Manchester United’s final decision.
The coming days could now determine whether Éderson becomes the next Brazilian star to arrive at Old Trafford, or whether United decide to move in another direction as their midfield rebuild continues.
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