Ederson Deal Within Touching Distance as Man Utd Close In on Carrick's First Major Signing

Manchester United are on the verge of landing their headline recruitment under Michael Carrick, with a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson reportedly just a formality away from completion.

The Brazilian playmaker has emerged as the Red Devils' prime target to reinforce their midfield engine room, a position Carrick has identified as needing urgent reinforcement ahead of next season's congested fixture list. With Casemiro expected to depart and Manuel Ugarte likely to follow, United's midfield overhaul has become non-negotiable.

Carrick's appointment as permanent manager came on the back of a transformative second half to 2025/26, during which he steered United back into Champions League qualification and earned his long-term contract. That success, however, masks the reality that significant squad investment remains essential if the club is to compete across all fronts.

Ederson, who has spent four seasons at Atalanta, has now become the focal point of United's summer business. The fee being touted sits around €45 million—approximately £38m—with the 24-year-old having already agreed personal terms with the Old Trafford club. He has halted negotiations with other interested parties since last week, signalling his commitment to the move.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported that United have overtaken Atletico Madrid in the race for the midfielder's signature, with the package now advanced towards its conclusion. Sky Sports claim that a full agreement between the two clubs could be rubber-stamped before the week is out.

The deal represents a statement of intent from Carrick and the United hierarchy, though it remains contingent on the club deciding to pull the trigger. Atalanta and United have been in protracted talks over the structure of the package, but the momentum appears decidedly in the English club's favour as they look to back their manager with the calibre of signing that can genuinely move the needle in midfield.