Manchester United are reportedly close to securing a £38 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson as they look to replace Casemiro, whose contract expires this summer. The 26-year-old Brazilian is set to become the first signing under interim head coach Michael Carrick, with personal terms reportedly agreed last week. Ederson joined Atalanta in 2022 from Salernitana and has made 180 appearances for the Italian club, scoring 16 goals and providing six assists. Although he has three caps for Brazil, he was not included in the recent World Cup squad.

Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino confirmed that Ederson was an unused substitute in the season-ending draw against Fiorentina, explaining that a “major club” was pursuing the player. Ederson had previously been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, but interest from the Spanish club has reportedly shifted to Wolves’ Joao Gomes, which has opened the door for United.

United’s pursuit of Ederson comes amid continued efforts to strengthen their midfield options following Casemiro’s departure after four years at Old Trafford. Ederson is viewed as a defensive midfielder capable of breaking up play but is not considered the most progressive playmaker. With one year remaining on his contract at Atalanta, the transfer fee is relatively modest compared to other midfield targets.

One such target is Elliot Anderson, the 23-year-old England international who plays for Nottingham Forest. United had identified Anderson as a priority acquisition but have reportedly stepped back from the pursuit amid Forest’s £100 million valuation and the player’s preference to join rivals Manchester City. Despite the recent managerial change at City, the club remains confident of securing Anderson’s signature. United are also exploring other midfield options, including Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.

Off the field, Manchester United have undergone significant financial restructuring, with reported cost-cutting measures since billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover contributing to a nine-month operating profit of £37.7 million through March 31, a turnaround from the previous year’s loss. However, the club remains burdened with nearly £1.3 billion in debt. United’s spending on personnel changes has continued, including a £16.7 million charge related to the dismissal of former manager Ruben Amorim earlier this year.

Despite early exits from domestic cup competitions impacting matchday revenue, which declined by 5.2 percent, the club is advancing plans for a new 100,000-seat stadium intended to replace Old Trafford. Chief executive Omar Berrada expressed optimism about the club’s progress and transformation efforts, praising Michael Carrick’s impact since taking over as head coach with 12 wins in 17 games, which helped the team secure Champions League qualification for next season.