Man United Told to Pay £49m to Sign 24-year-old Serie A Midfielder – Journalist | OneFootball

Manchester United and Manchester City in Race for Atalanta’s Ederson

Premier League giants Manchester United and Manchester City are vying for the signature of Atalanta’s Brazilian midfield dynamo, Ederson, with fresh contacts expected between his representatives and interested clubs in the coming weeks. According to Rudy Galetti for TeamTalk, both clubs are actively monitoring the situation as they look to bolster their midfield options in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Ederson’s Rising Stock in Serie A

Ederson has enjoyed a standout season with Atalanta, attracting attention from top European clubs. The 24-year-old midfielder, known for his dynamic range, robust tackling, and ability to control the tempo of games, has become a linchpin in Atalanta’s midfield setup.

Atalanta initially resisted entertaining offers for Ederson at the start of January, but their stance has softened, primarily to accommodate the player’s desire to play in the Premier League. “The price has already been set, with the Italian club valuing the player at around €60m (£49m / $62m),” Galetti reports.

While Ederson is eager to make the leap to the Premier League, he has not expressed a preference for a particular club. His focus remains on joining a competition he has long admired and contributing at the highest level.

Manchester United’s Midfield Overhaul

Manchester United’s interest in Ederson comes as the club prepares for a significant midfield reshuffle. Christian Eriksen and Casemiro are both expected to depart, creating a void that Ederson could help fill.

Casemiro, who joined United for £70m from Real Madrid, made an immediate impact but has struggled to maintain consistency. The 32-year-old’s performance has declined, with manager Ruben Amorim openly acknowledging his difficulties in coping with the Premier League’s physical demands. “Casemiro simply cannot keep up,” Amorim previously stated.

United have reportedly sanctioned a loan move for Casemiro, with Flamengo in Brazil emerging as a potential destination. The move could materialise before the Brazilian transfer window closes on February 28, paving the way for United to accelerate their pursuit of Ederson.

Photo IMAGO

Competition from Manchester City and Liverpool’s Interest

Manchester City, always vigilant in the transfer market, are also monitoring Ederson as they seek to maintain their dominance in both domestic and European competitions. Pep Guardiola’s side is looking to add depth and versatility to their midfield, and Ederson fits the profile of a player who can adapt to their fluid style of play.

Liverpool, too, have shown interest in Ederson but appear to be trailing behind their Manchester rivals in the race. As Galetti notes, “Liverpool are also looking for a new midfielder for the summer and have asked for information on Ederson, but at the moment they are to be considered more on the sidelines.” The Reds have other targets, including Frenkie de Jong and Angelo Stiller, who are reportedly higher on their priority list.

What Lies Ahead for Ederson and Atalanta

The race for Ederson’s signature is heating up, with Atalanta now open to letting him go for the right price. As the summer transfer window approaches, negotiations are expected to intensify, and it remains to be seen which Premier League club will secure the highly sought-after midfielder.

Ederson’s potential arrival in England could significantly impact the Premier League landscape, offering a blend of technical prowess and defensive solidity. For Manchester United, in particular, his signing could symbolise a new era in midfield, as the club seeks to move past the inconsistencies of recent seasons.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, Ederson’s potential signing could be a transformative move for the club. With Casemiro’s departure almost certain and Eriksen’s future hanging in the balance, bringing in a young, energetic midfielder like Ederson would inject much-needed vitality into the squad.

The Brazilian’s ability to control the tempo, break up opposition play, and contribute offensively aligns perfectly with the demands of the Premier League. Fans will be particularly excited about his defensive work rate, something United have lacked since the days of prime Nemanja Matić. His partnership with emerging talents like Kobbie Mainoo could provide a balanced midfield dynamic, blending youth and experience.

Moreover, outbidding Manchester City for a player of Ederson’s calibre would be a statement of intent from United’s management. It would signal the club’s ambition to return to the summit of English football and challenge for top honours once again. With Ruben Amorim at the helm, a signing like Ederson could be the catalyst for a successful new chapter at Old Trafford.