Manchester United have agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for Brazil midfielder Ederson, a sign that the club is gearing up for a busy summer under manager Michael Carrick. The 26-year-old is still to have a medical, with the transfer expected to be completed in early July, before United's pre-season begins. This move is part of a clear priority: strengthening central midfield.
United's midfield rebuild is driven by necessity. Veteran Brazilian Casemiro has left the club, and there is a lack of faith in Uruguay's Manuel Ugarte, a £50m signing from PSG in 2024 who was not used by Carrick after starting a home defeat by Leeds in April. It would be a major shock if Ugarte remains at the club when the transfer window closes on 1 September. If Ugarte leaves and Ederson arrives, United would be left without experienced deeper midfielders, with Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes usually used further forward. That is why United could end up with two or three additions in that area alone. Academy prospects like Tyler Fletcher, part of Scotland's World Cup squad, and Jacob Devaney, who excelled on loan at St Mirren, could also provide reinforcement.
“Manchester United's £35m Ederson deal and potential Greenwood windfall explained”
Ederson, capped three times by Brazil, was named in Brazil's 55-man expanded World Cup squad but missed out on manager Carlo Ancelotti's final selection. At Atalanta, he has proved adaptable across central midfield roles, scoring 16 goals in 180 games in all competitions.
Beyond the Ederson deal, United are also eyeing West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, though no formal offer has been made. Sources at the relegated London club are dubious United would pay the kind of sums they would demand, with a figure of £80m mentioned. United also covet England's Elliot Anderson, although the Nottingham Forest midfielder prefers Manchester City, and were interested in Brighton's Carlos Baleba last summer.
Crucially, United are set for a cash injection from a different source: Mason Greenwood's expected move to Fenerbahce. United agreed a 40% sell-on clause when Greenwood joined Marseille for £26.6m in summer 2024. Marseille are seeking a minimum of £43m for the forward, meaning United could net around £17.2m from the sell-on clause alone, though the exact figure depends on the final transfer fee. Fenerbahce's presidential election on Sunday will affect the deal; one candidate, Hakan Safi, has claimed a four-year contract has already been agreed with Greenwood, which would see United receive a £19m payment. The other frontrunner, Aziz Yildirim, is also expected to pursue Greenwood if elected. Either way, United look likely to benefit.
Why it matters for UK readers For Manchester United fans, this summer marks the first major rebuild under Michael Carrick after a rollercoaster season. The club's transfer strategy revolves around solving a midfield crisis while using sell-on clauses to fund new signings. The Greenwood clause is a reminder of how clubs can profit from player sales years after a departure. For rival fans, United's moves could reshape the Premier League landscape, especially if they land multiple midfield targets.
Q: Why are Manchester United targeting midfielders this summer? United have lost Casemiro and lack faith in Manuel Ugarte, leaving them short of defensive midfield cover. With Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes better suited to advanced roles, the club needs to add depth and experience in deeper positions.
Q: How does the Mason Greenwood sell-on clause work? When United sold Greenwood to Marseille in 2024 for £26.6m, they included a 40% sell-on clause. This means if Marseille sell Greenwood for a profit, United receive 40% of the transfer fee above a certain threshold. For example, if Marseille sell him for £43m, United would get around £17.2m.
Q: Who else are Manchester United linked with? United are also pursuing Mateus Fernandes of West Ham, though the £80m price tag is a sticking point. Other targets include Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Brighton's Carlos Baleba. The club also want a left-sided player, with Newcastle's Lewis Hall on their radar, and striking support for Benjamin Sesko.
What happens next Ederson's medical will take place before July, while the Fenerbahce presidential election on Sunday will determine Greenwood's next club. United also need to decide on their goalkeeping options, with Radek Vitek impressing on loan at Bristol City. The summer transfer window closes on 1 September, and United are expected to make multiple signings to address their midfield depth.