Ederson, the 26-year-old defensive midfielder who has spent four successful years in Bergamo, is at the center of a planned double raid by Manchester United that would also target Newcastle's Sandro Tonali this summer.
Sky Italia reported that United have identified Tonali as a primary target to solidify their midfield, while journalist Nicolo Schira said United are ready to offer €45 million for Ederson as they chase reinforcements before the pre-season tour.
The figures underline why both names are attractive. Tonali made 53 appearances across all competitions this season, including 11 in the Champions League. Ederson featured 41 times in the 2025-26 campaign for Atalanta, scoring three goals and providing two assists, and is widely expected to leave after four strong years at the club.
The move would come as part of a clear rebuild at Manchester United after Casemiro confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season. United are said to be targeting high-energy players suited to Michael Carrick's style of play; within that strategy, Carlos Baleba is viewed inside the club as a natural successor to Casemiro, while Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson remain under consideration as alternative options.
There are immediate roadblocks. Newcastle are reportedly unwilling to sell Tonali to a direct Premier League rival, a stance that would make any approach for the Italian midfielder both sensitive and complicated. Atalanta, meanwhile, have a valuation for Ederson that Atletico Madrid — long linked with the player and said to have already agreed personal terms — have not yet met.
That tension leaves Manchester United with two very different chances. Tonali is clearly a priority on paper, but Newcastle's reluctance to sell inside the league could force United to reframe the chase or activate the groundwork they have already laid for alternative signings. United have prepared contingency plans should the pursuit of Tonali fail, keeping open the possibility of signing Baleba, Wharton or Anderson instead.
The Ederson pursuit is more straightforward economically but not guaranteed. Schira's €45 million figure signals how far United are willing to push, yet Atalanta's valuation has not been publicly bridged by Atletico Madrid or other suitors. United's bid would test whether Atalanta prefer the immediate certainty of a sale now or the leverage of waiting for a higher offer.
For Ederson personally, the summer represents a crossroads. After 41 appearances, three goals and two assists in 2025-26, and four years establishing himself at Atalanta, a move would be the logical next step in a career that has drawn interest from major clubs. For Tonali, who played 53 matches this season including 11 in Europe, any transfer would hinge on Newcastle's willingness to do business with a Premier League rival.
This summer's transfer window will therefore be a test of Manchester United's recruitment model under Carrick: can the club convert scouting reports and reported intentions into deals despite opposing clubs' resistance and competing offers? Given the current facts, United are better positioned to secure Ederson if Atalanta accept a bid near the reported €45 million; landing Tonali, by contrast, looks far more contingent on Newcastle changing a public stance they have already taken.
