Manchester United have reportedly maintained their interest in Atalanta midfielder Ederson, as his anticipated move to Atletico Madrid appears to be on the brink of collapse.
The 26-year-old Brazilian, who has established himself as one of Serie A’s most complete midfielders, is expected to depart Atalanta at the end of the season.
For several months, Atletico Madrid seemed to be Ederson’s most likely destination, having reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with the player. However, a deal with Atalanta has proven elusive.
The Italian club is demanding a fee of €45 million (£39m) for their midfield lynchpin, a figure Atletico Madrid has been unwilling to meet.
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Atalanta is known for its firm stance in transfer negotiations, and with Ederson’s contract set to expire next year, the current impasse risks the transfer falling through entirely.
Ederson’s profile and United’s midfield needs
Ederson joined Atalanta in the summer and quickly became a pivotal figure in Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad, earning a reputation as a “relentless” Brazilian, as described by Breaking The Lines.
He is a well-rounded midfielder, blending physical strength and stamina with high tactical awareness and an ability to drive the ball forward.
His versatility allows him to excel in a box-to-box role or as a holding midfielder.
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His impressive statistics from DataMB highlight his all-around contribution:
- Duel%: 45.9
- Possessions won: 66.7
- Progressive carries: 72.2
- Forward passes: 87.6
- Forward pass%: 84.1
- Key passes: 61.1
- Progressive passes: 82.8
- Minutes played: 2198
Manchester United’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements is well-documented. With Casemiro expected to leave and Manuel Ugarte reportedly on the transfer list, Kobbie Mainoo remains the only out-and-out central midfielder guaranteed to stay for next season. The club is understood to need at least two, possibly three, new midfield additions.
While Ederson is not considered a top target for United, he represents a viable solution should the club fail to acquire other profiles.
The INEOS ownership group is reportedly unlikely to afford more than one of their primary midfield targets due to hefty asking prices, making pragmatic options like Ederson more attractive.
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Other names linked to United’s midfield include Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali, and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his official YouTube channel, has advised to “keep an eye on the Premier League” regarding Ederson’s future, indicating that United and at least one other unnamed English top-flight club remain keen on the Atalanta star.
Sources: strettynews.com
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