Man Utd Discover Cut-Price Deal for Coveted Midfield Star as Transfer Window Heats Up
Manchester United are actively pursuing a central midfielder ahead of the upcoming season, with Atalanta's Éderson presenting an intriguing opportunity.
Ruben Amorim's squad has struggled with midfield dominance and intensity during the early stages of 2025–26, as Manuel Ugarte has failed to meet the manager's expectations. Kobbie Mainoo is also finding it difficult to secure consistent playing time, with central positions mainly filled by Casemiro, who has lost his former pace, and the more offensive-minded Bruno Fernandes.
Reports emerged this week suggesting United have assembled a seven-player shortlist of midfield targets, aiming to secure at least one signing before the summer window closes. Apart from Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller, all candidates either play in the Premier League or have previous English top-flight experience.
However, Atalanta's Éderson has surfaced as a distinct opportunistic target due to his Bergamo contract running until 2027, which appears unlikely to be extended.
Hopefully United took some inspiration from Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane last night... pic.twitter.com/EadxdqQbjD
The 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder was once priced by Atalanta at up to €75 million (£65.7 million, $86.9 million) but could potentially be available in 2026 for under half that figure.
Agent André Cury has particularly promoted a potential switch to Barcelona, where the Brazilian representative maintains strong connections—he facilitated Neymar's Camp Nou transfer in 2013, alongside Philippe Coutinho, Yerry Mina, Arthur and Paulinho among numerous other clients linked with the club. However, securing Éderson a move to a bigger platform than Atalanta seems to be the main objective.
Highlighting Éderson's "physicality and stamina," Cury told Cadena SER: "This represents an opportunity since his contract is running down. Atalanta has refused to sell despite receiving substantial offers. I believe they'll finalize the move during this winter or summer transfer period."
He continued: "[Atalanta demanded] significant money, ranging from €60 million to €75 million. With his contract nearing expiration, they might slash his valuation in half, to approximately €30 million to €40 million, but he's an exceptional talent with some of Europe's finest statistics for his role."
'Box-to Box' Éderson Built for the Premier League
Following spells at several Brazilian clubs, Éderson transitioned to European football in 2022 by joining Italian outfit Salernitana before Atalanta acquired him within months. He contributed to the club's Europa League triumph in 2023–24 and their consistent Serie A top-five finishes.
While Cury has promoted the Barcelona connection, his playing style seems better suited to the Premier League's demanding pace—exactly what Manchester United desperately needs.
"He possesses two key qualities," Tiago Nunes, Éderson's previous coach at Corinthians, explained to Sky Sports in 2024. "First, his exceptional physical power on the field, capable of operating box-to-box, maintaining match tempo throughout. Second, his mental fortitude, with clear understanding of his objectives."
Nunes elaborated, "I envision him as a box-to-box midfielder, not necessarily a deep playmaker but someone who can penetrate defensive lines, reach advanced positions, and drive play forward. I see him as a midfielder with license to attack.
"I believe he suits both structured play and transitional football. He can connect passes and interpret tight spaces effectively, while possessing the athletic capacity for rapid counter-attacks.
"He has the skills and physical attributes to match the game's intensity. He's a direct player with significant pace in attacking areas. This is someone with unique qualities who could flourish further in a competitive league like the Premier League."