Manchester United have reached an agreement to bring Atalanta midfielder Ederson to Old Trafford in a deal worth up to £38m, according to Sky Sports News.

United will pay an initial fee of £34m — with a further £3.8m available in potential add-ons — for the 26-year-old Brazil international. The Brazilian is set to put pen to paper on a four-year contract, with an option for a fifth year included.

The transfer is expected to be finalised before July, pending a successful medical, which would make Ederson the first arrival of the Michael Carrick era at Old Trafford.

A long-term target arrives

United have monitored Ederson for an extended period, and his capture represents a move they have been building towards for some time. Nevertheless, the club remain in the market for at least one more midfielder this summer.

The need is clear: Casemiro has left the club, and Manuel Ugarte is also expected to depart before the new season begins. United must rebuild the engine room of their squad, and Ederson is viewed as a key part of that process.

What Ederson brings to Carrick's side

Kobbie Mainoo has shown considerable quality in central midfield, but United require greater depth and variety in that department. Ederson's value lies in his flexibility — he can operate across multiple roles and brings the dynamism that manager Michael Carrick is looking to install in his midfield.

Ederson alone will not solve all of United's midfield problems, but this signing is considered a stride in the right direction as Carrick seeks to reshape his squad for the 2026-27 campaign.