“Man City ready to offer €50 million to beat Manchester United to the signing of Ederson”
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Man City Ready to Offer €50 Million to Beat Manchester United to the Signing of Ederson
In what could shape up to be one of the most intriguing transfer battles of the summer, Manchester City are reportedly preparing a bold €50 million bid to secure the signature of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, a player who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United. With Pep Guardiola intent on reinforcing his midfield for the upcoming season, City are prepared to act swiftly to leapfrog their city rivals in the race for the dynamic Brazilian.
Sources close to both clubs indicate that Manchester United had identified Ederson as a key target in their midfield revamp under new manager Ruben Amorim. However, with City now entering the fray with a concrete offer, United risk losing out unless they respond quickly—both financially and strategically.
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Who is Ederson?
Not to be confused with City’s goalkeeper of the same name, Ederson José dos Santos is a 24-year-old central midfielder who plays for Serie A side Atalanta. Since joining the Italian club from Salernitana in 2022, Ederson has developed into a complete midfielder under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Powerful, intelligent, and tactically versatile, Ederson has featured in both box-to-box and holding roles, combining his athleticism with ball-winning skills and attacking drive. He played a crucial part in Atalanta’s march toward a top-four finish this season and impressed in the Europa League, earning admiration from scouts across Europe.
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City’s Intentions: The Next Phase of Midfield Evolution
Pep Guardiola has already hinted that his squad is entering a new cycle. With Ilkay Gündogan leaving last summer, Kevin De Bruyne turning 33 in June, and Kalvin Phillips struggling to make an impact, City’s midfield is due for another refresh. Mateo Kovačić was brought in to ease the burden, but Guardiola reportedly wants a younger, more physical profile to maintain the team’s intensity in both domestic and European competitions.
Ederson ticks many of those boxes. He’s press-resistant, strong in duels, and comfortable playing in a double pivot or as a No. 8. Importantly, his work rate off the ball fits the City mold—especially as Guardiola seeks to future-proof his squad ahead of the next cycle of dominance.
According to reports from Italian outlet Calciomercato, City have already initiated informal talks with Atalanta and are willing to meet the €50 million asking price to seal the deal quickly.
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United’s Midfield Puzzle – And Why Ederson Was the Solution
Ruben Amorim has made it no secret that midfield reinforcements are a priority for Manchester United this summer. With Casemiro’s form and fitness declining, Christian Eriksen likely to move on, and Scott McTominay’s future uncertain, United are desperate for fresh legs and energy in the engine room.
Amorim, known for his structured yet aggressive pressing system, views Ederson as a perfect fit for his midfield double pivot. The Brazilian’s discipline, spatial awareness, and ability to transition quickly from defence to attack would complement Kobbie Mainoo’s more progressive style.
United had been leading the race for Ederson, with multiple scouting missions logged throughout the Serie A campaign. Initial negotiations were said to be positive, but delays over United’s transfer budget and internal restructuring under INEOS may now prove costly.
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A Classic Derby Day Battle – But Off the Pitch
This transfer saga has all the makings of a Manchester derby—only this time the battleground is the boardroom. City, with their operational efficiency and financial muscle, are known for moving swiftly once Guardiola gives the green light. Their pursuit of Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol are recent examples of their ruthless efficiency in the market.
United, by contrast, are still navigating the growing pains of change. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group gradually asserting control over football operations and new sporting director Dan Ashworth still settling into his role, there’s a sense of transition behind the scenes. That lack of clarity could now cost them Ederson.
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The Tactical Fit at City vs. United
From a tactical perspective, Ederson fits well into both setups—but in different ways.
At City, he would likely rotate with Rodri and Mateo Kovačić, perhaps even slotting into a three-man midfield with more license to break lines and support the attack. His engine and composure under pressure could allow Guardiola to rest key players without sacrificing tempo or control.
At United, however, Ederson would be a foundational piece—potentially a guaranteed starter from day one. Amorim’s system places a premium on dual midfielders who can press, recover possession quickly, and transition with purpose. In this setup, Ederson would arguably have more influence and importance.
That may factor into the player’s decision. Does he want to be part of a well-oiled winning machine at City, or take on a more central role in a rebuilding project at United?
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Atalanta’s Stance: Selling at the Right Price
Atalanta are well known for being shrewd sellers. They rarely stand in a player’s way if the price is right, and in Ederson’s case, €50 million appears to be the threshold. With the Italian club already eyeing reinforcements and having strong youth talent in the pipeline, they are prepared to cash in on their Brazilian star this summer.
Sources indicate that Atalanta would prefer a quick resolution to avoid a prolonged saga. City’s willingness to meet the valuation in full could tip the scales, especially if United continue to hesitate or try to negotiate the fee down.
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Player’s Preference Still Unknown
As of now, Ederson has not publicly expressed a preference between the two Manchester giants. Privately, those close to the player say he is flattered by both approaches but is also weighing up his chances of regular game time and long-term development.
A move to City would place him in one of the most tactically sophisticated environments in Europe, under one of the greatest managers of all time. But at United, he could become a symbol of a new era—one of the first true Amorim-era signings, and a guaranteed fixture in the midfield.
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Conclusion: A Defining Moment for United and City
This battle for Ederson is more than just another transfer tug-of-war—it’s a litmus test for where both Manchester clubs stand in terms of their pulling power, strategy, and vision.
For City, it’s about continuing a cycle of dominance with smart, forward-thinking purchases. For United, it’s about proving that the post-Glazer INEOS-led regime can attract top-tier talent and build a functional footballing operation.
If Ederson chooses blue over red, it will be a major blow to Amorim’s early plans and a signal that the power dynamics in Manchester remain tilted. If United can respond, match the offer, and sell the player on their vision, it could mark the first real statement of intent from the club’s new leadership.
Either way, this is one saga that could define the tone of the transfer window—and the seaso
n to come.
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