Manchester United are on the verge of securing the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, as the club gears up for a busy summer transfer window and a return to Champions League football.
The move would mark the first acquisition of the Michael Carrick era, following his confirmation as permanent head coach ahead of the Premier League finale against Brighton on Sunday.
The 26-year-old Brazilian has been a long-standing target for Old Trafford, and talks are understood to have progressed significantly, with a deal now believed to be close.
Reports suggest a fee of up to £38 million could be involved for the midfielder.
United’s need to strengthen their central options is pressing, particularly with mainstay Casemiro set to depart when his contract concludes at the end of June.
While Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni was considered and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is admired, the latter is said to favour a move to Manchester City.
This anticipated signing comes amid a period of significant activity at the club, with chief executive Omar Berrada attributing on-field success to financial improvements and ongoing “business transformation initiatives.”
The club’s third-quarter results for fiscal 2026, released on Wednesday, revealed a substantial operating profit of £37.7 million over a nine-month period, a stark contrast to the £3.2 million loss recorded in the previous year.
These financial gains were partly linked to “headcount reduction programs” following a widespread redundancy scheme and restructuring efforts initiated after Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner.
Berrada expressed optimism about the club’s trajectory, stating: “We feel very positive about the club’s progress this season and the continuing positive impact of our business transformation initiatives.
“Finishing third in the Premier League and securing qualification to next season’s Uefa Champions League is testament to our men’s team’s improved form on the pitch. Michael Carrick has done an excellent job in the 17 games he has overseen and we are delighted that he will continue as Head Coach.”
He further highlighted achievements across the club: “Our women’s team reached the quarter final in the Uefa Women’s Champions League and also reached the final of the League Cup for the first time and will be participating once again in the World Sevens Series. On the academy side, reaching the FA Youth Cup and PL2 play-off finals is also an indication of our continued commitment to youth development.”
United has also revised its revenue guidance upwards, from an initial £660 million to £665 million, and increased its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) forecast from a maximum of £200 million to £210 million.
The club’s third-quarter report also confirmed ongoing work towards building a new 100,000-seater stadium and disclosed that the dismissal of former manager Ruben Amorim and his staff incurred costs approaching £16.7 million.
