
EPL Index
·19 April 2025
Report: Man Utd target Serie A star with Premier League rival keen

EPL Index
·19 April 2025
The tides at Old Trafford may be shifting once more. Fresh off an emotionally charged Europa League escape against Lyon, Manchester United have reportedly accelerated plans for their summer rebuild. According to Fichajes, the Red Devils are now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Ederson from Atalanta — a move that, if completed, could send significant ripples across the Premier League.
The 25-year-old Brazilian has been described as ‘excellent’ this season, a sentiment that seems to be shared across the continent. As a box-to-box midfielder with defensive diligence and attacking flair, Ederson has shone in Serie A, and his apparent refusal to extend his contract signals both ambition and availability.
Rúben Amorim is reportedly a key driver behind the move. The United boss is said to view Ederson as a potential replacement for ageing midfielders Casemiro and Christian Eriksen — an indication of the stylistic overhaul he may be planning.
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United’s pursuit of Ederson is complicated by the interest of their noisy neighbours. Manchester City are also reported to have the ‘same objective’ in landing the Atalanta star. While United are believed to be in a stronger position, with talks already underway with the player’s agent, the spectre of a late City swoop looms large.
Ederson would certainly fit City’s rotation-heavy midfield, offering versatility and work rate — but for United, this is a potential keystone signing. It’s not just about quality; it’s about statement. Beating City to a highly-rated, peak-age player from Italy’s tactical cauldron would signal a new kind of intent.
The reported £51m price tag is hefty but not outrageous in today’s market, particularly for a player entering his prime. Atalanta, consistent in extracting value for talent, won’t budge unless that valuation is met.
This interest in Ederson — and the apparent prioritisation of midfield mobility — is telling. It’s no longer just about assembling a constellation of stars at United; it’s about cohesion, balance, and identity. Amorim, would want a player who can translate his ideas on the pitch, and Ederson fits that mould.
If the move is completed, United fans will hope Ederson isn’t just another promising name — but the beating heart of a new era at Old Trafford.
For many Manchester United fans, this move feels different. Ederson isn’t a glamorous Galáctico-style signing; he’s a proper midfielder with teeth. The prospect of beating Manchester City to a player of his quality adds even more allure — a transfer that could restore some lost pride in head-to-head dealings.
The £51m price may seem steep, but that’s the going rate for talent with both top-five league pedigree and Champions League potential. Considering United’s midfield has often looked one-paced and disjointed, this deal ticks boxes tactically and temperamentally.
The one concern? Execution. We’ve seen these sagas before — drawn-out, hijacked, or ended with a panic buy. Fans will hope the club’s new structure gets this one over the line. Because if not, and City pounce late, the fallout will be another PR own goal.