Ederson has confirmed that his transfer to Manchester United is 'almost all sorted' after making his World Cup debut for Brazil. The 26-year-old midfielder is set to become the first signing of the Michael Carrick era at Old Trafford, with United agreeing a deal with Serie A side Atalanta earlier this month.
Deal Details and World Cup Debut
United will pay an initial €40.5 million (£35 million), plus €4.5 million (£3.8 million) in add-ons for Ederson. The Brazilian earned a late call-up to his national team for the World Cup, replacing the injured Wesley. He made his tournament debut off the bench in Brazil's 3-0 victory over Haiti on Friday night.
Speaking to Tuttosport after the match, Ederson said: 'It's practically almost all sorted.' He added: 'I have to make the most of this moment. I am here and it is a wonderful thing, something you must always live to the fullest.'
Midfield Rebuild Needed
United's need to strengthen their midfield is well-documented, with long-serving Casemiro set to leave when his contract expires at the end of June. Ederson is not expected to be the only arrival this summer, with the club linked to several other midfielders.
Elliot Anderson of Newcastle United and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton have both been mentioned as potential targets. However, Anderson now appears likely to join rivals Manchester City instead. West Ham's Mateus Fernandes was also on United's radar, but Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly close to securing his services.
Expert Analysis
Former United coach Rene Meulensteen emphasized the scale of the rebuild needed, stating: 'United need to sign at least two, if not three midfielders this transfer window. That's the position where they have to really, really strengthen, especially with more competitions coming up.'
Meulensteen commented on the club's targets: 'Now, that could be Ederson or Anderson. They've got similar qualities, but Anderson comes with a massive price tag, which makes you really question whether or not they can realistically go for him, so Anderson might be out of reach for United this summer.'
He added: 'I don't think Man United will pay that for Anderson. I think they do have funds, but to spend so much money on one player, it would be a big shout. I always like good, technical footballers in the midfield.'
On Wharton, Meulensteen said: 'I've liked Adam Wharton for United for a while now, because he is so good on the ball, very calm under pressure. He finds any of those front five with one decisive pass, and he rips the opposition right open, and I love that.'
