Atalanta identify Ederson replacements

Following reports from Italy that Manchester United have found their first midfield signing of the summer, Atalanta are seeking their next replacement.

It comes after the news that United reached an agreement with the Italian club to sign 26-year-old midfielder Ederson, whom the club has held an interest in since 2024, when they wrongly signed Manuel Ugarte.

Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino told the media on Friday, following his side’s 1-1 draw with Fiorentina, “Ederson didn’t play tonight because he is in advanced talks with a top foreign club”.

This foreign club is likely to be the Red Devils, who are really being tipped to sign Ederson now. With Casemiro leaving, and Manuel Ugarte set to follow him, midfield signings are going to be crucial.

The two clubs have reached a verbal agreement, and the player has already reached an understanding on the contract, according to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, reinforcing other reporting.

It’s a signing for Manchester United that is set to put a sizeable dent in their £150m midfield budget for this summer and will allow Atalanta to search for a replacement.

According to journalist Nicolo Schira on X, Atalanta are interested in Lucas Da Cunha of Como and Gianluca Gaetano of Cagliari in replacing Ederson’s services.

The two are experienced midfielders in Italy and of similar age to Ederson, but neither will be able to match the output that the Brazilian gives them – that’s why Manchester United are after him.

United will still have around £100m more to play with if the signing of Ederson comes to fruition, opening up all possibilities. Whether it’s top target Elliot Anderson, who has been set a huge price tag by Nottingham Forest, or somebody worth a lot less, United have a big decision to make.

Ederson looks a strong signing, who could be suited to the Premier League – but signing somebody already experienced in England is where Manchester United should look next.