Manchester United reportedly agree five-year deal with Atalanta midfielder Ederson as Casemiro exits

Manchester United have reportedly secured an agreement in principle with Atalanta midfielder Ederson on a five-year contract after Casemiro decided to leave Old Trafford as a free agent, according to a World Soccer Talk summary of reporting by Ben Jacobs and Italian outlets. The deal is described as personal terms being agreed, while a transfer fee for 26-year-old Ederson would still need to be negotiated with Atalanta ahead of the summer 2026 window.

Why it matters

If completed, the move would replace the holding midfield role vacated by Casemiro and represent a significant midfield recruitment for Michael Carrick's side as they plan for Champions League competition. Ederson is portrayed in the report as a defensive midfielder who also contributes to build-up play and vision — attributes Manchester United would seek to keep in that position after Casemiro's departure.

What the reports say

According to the reporting cited by World Soccer Talk, Ben Jacobs posted on X that Manchester United and Ederson have reached an agreement on a five-year contract. Italian sources Sportitalia and Gianluca Di Marzio are reported to value Ederson's potential move at around €50 million, though those fee figures and any agreement between the clubs are described as reports rather than confirmed transactions in the supplied summary.

Squad implications and wider transfer picture

The report frames Ederson as a like-for-like defensive midfield reinforcement: defensively reliable with forward passing and vision — qualities that helped Casemiro become a key figure for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick during the 2025–26 campaign. World Soccer Talk adds that United still face departures — with both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte mentioned as leaving — and therefore are expected to pursue multiple midfield signings rather than a single replacement.

Ben Jacobs is also cited as saying Manchester United have made Elliot Anderson their top priority and remain in talks with Nottingham Forest; other midfield targets listed in the report include Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott. The piece suggests United aim to sign at least two high-profile midfielders ahead of next season.

Key points

What happens next

Per the supplied reporting, Manchester United and Atalanta would need to agree a transfer fee for Ederson in the summer 2026 window before the move is completed. Independent confirmation from the clubs or primary sources (Ben Jacobs, Sportitalia, Gianluca Di Marzio) is required to verify personal terms, the fee, and any official announcements about Casemiro's departure.