Casemiro's replacement is a Brazilian too

Over the previous period, he worked with what he inherited and was surprisingly successful. Now he will have the chance to build the squad according to his own vision. He has received a permanent contract and will soon get the promised reinforcements as well. And the first of many signings in the Michael Carrick era appears set to be — Ederson. According to British media, Manchester United are close to reaching an agreement with Atalanta over the transfer of the Brazilian midfielder. As reported by Sky Sports, a delegation from the English club traveled to Italy last week to intensify negotiations with the Serie A side’s executives while also trying to lower the asking price.

The visit was evidently productive because, according to the latest information, talks are now in the final stages and the two clubs are close to agreeing a deal for the 26-year-old midfielder. The transfer should be finalized by the end of the week and is expected to be worth around 45 million euros including bonuses. Sky Sports writes that United’s hierarchy view the Ederson deal as particularly attractive for financial reasons, since he would cost roughly half as much as some of the other, far more expensive names on the shortlist of potential replacements for the departing Casemiro. However, the Brazilian is expected to be only one of several additions, as Manchester United will try to sign one or two more midfielders depending on their financial situation.

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The wishlist is long, although not every target is realistic. Aurelien Tchouameni wants to stay at Real Madrid, Elliot Anderson has prioritized Manchester City, while Brighton and Newcastle are demanding enormous fees for Carlos Baleba and Sandro Tonali respectively. Atalanta, on the other hand, were no longer in a strong negotiating position because Ederson has entered the final year of his contract and in just six months he would have been free to negotiate with other clubs.

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Ederson had also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid, but the Spanish club have meanwhile shifted their focus toward Joao Gomes of Wolverhampton, who could become cheaper following Wolves’ relegation. In any case, after four and a half years in Italy, Ederson now seems set for a move to England. He joined Atalanta from Salernitana for 23 million euros and went on to make 180 appearances in all competitions over four seasons, contributing 16 goals and six assists. His performances in Bergamo also earned him call-ups to the Brazil national team, for whom he has made three appearances, although his last invitation came in June of last year.