Manchester United Move Closer to Signing Ederson in £38m Midfield Deal

Manchester United are moving closer to completing a deal for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, with multiple reports indicating an agreement could soon be finalised.

The proposed transfer is expected to be worth an initial £35m, with an additional £3m in performance-related add-ons for the 26-year-old midfielder.

Despite growing speculation, senior officials at Manchester United have publicly insisted that no formal agreement has yet been completed for Ederson, who currently has just 12 months remaining on his contract.

The development comes on the same day the club announced third-quarter profits of £37.7m for the nine months ending 31 March. Chief executive Omar Berrada said he remained “very positive about the club’s progress” as United prepare for a new era under head coach Michael Carrick.

Although the club continues to carry significant financial obligations — including large outstanding transfer payments that form most of the £482m listed under trade and other payables — United are still determined to remain active and competitive in the transfer market.

Club executives are also aiming to avoid repeating previous mistakes involving expensive long-term contracts, instead focusing on a more controlled recruitment strategy.

Strengthening central midfield has emerged as one of United’s main priorities this summer following the departure of Casemiro and uncertainty surrounding the future of Manuel Ugarte.

United are believed to want at least two new midfield additions, and potentially a third depending on departures and market opportunities. Their preferred option, Elliot Anderson, is reportedly leaning towards a move to Manchester City instead.

While Manchester United have often negotiated with several targets simultaneously before deciding on a final signing, indications suggest they are now pushing aggressively to secure Ederson early in the transfer window.

The Brazilian midfielder has earned three senior international caps for Brazil national football team but narrowly missed out on selection for the FIFA World Cup squad.

Spanish giants Atletico Madrid had also shown interest in Ederson, who has spent the last four-and-a-half years playing in Serie A with clubs including Salernitana. However, Atletico are now understood to have shifted their focus toward Joao Gomes of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Another midfielder monitored by United, Mateus Fernandes, could leave West Ham United this summer as the club responds to the financial impact of relegation to the Championship.

United also maintained interest in Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion after tracking him last year, although the club would reportedly only consider a significantly lower fee following what was viewed internally as an underwhelming campaign from the Cameroon international.