89% passing: Man Utd must beat Atletico to sign 26yo Brazilian star valued at £35m

Manchester United should explore a summer deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

The Red Devils are poised to strengthen their midfield department this summer with the possibility of multiple exits.

Casemiro will walk away when his contract expires at the end of June, while Manuel Ugarte could be sold by the club.

United have their sights on landing a marquee defensive midfielder and may prefer someone with Premier League experience.

However, a secondary midfielder could also be pursued, and we believe Ederson would be an ideal acquisition for the Red Devils.

United have had a long-term interest in the Brazil international and were first linked in the summer of 2024 when he was not up for sale.

The club ended up signing Paris Saint-Germain’s Ugarte, but the decision has not proved worthwhile, as he has struggled in the league so far.

The Red Devils are still ‘strongly interested‘ in the 26-year-old, and may have to be proactive to prise him away ahead of Atletico Madrid.

Atletico have already agreed on personal terms with Ederson, and they are negotiating a transfer package of £35 million for a potential deal.

United must beat Atletico in Ederson’s pursuit

Atletico have formed a good working relationship with Atalanta, having signed Ademola Lookman from the Bergamo outfit last winter.

The La Liga outfit are now pushing to land Ederson, whose contract expires in June 2027. Atalanta are expected to sell him this summer.

United should also pursue the Brazilian star, who would be a good addition. He would provide quality competition and depth to the squad.

Ederson can operate as a defensive or central midfielder. He has completed 89 percent of his passes in Serie A this term, winning almost five duels per game.

The former Salernitana man has also won two tackles per appearance with four recoveries.

He has been solid with his ball retention, losing possession on just 7.7 occasions per game. In comparison, Casemiro has lost the ball 11 times per outing.

Ederson has also dazzled with his long balls, tireless work rate and regular high pressing. He has all the traits to become a quality Premier League midfielder.

At £35m, he would represent a bargain signing for United. The Red Devils must initiate contact with Atalanta in order to compete with Atletico for the player.

Like Atletico, United have a good working relationship with the Serie A heavyweights, having previously signed Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo from them.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .