Who is Ederson? Man Utd now close to signing £43m star likened to Roy Keane

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Several reports from Italy claim that Manchester United are very close to completing the signing of Ederson from Atalanta.

The Red Devils have already secured UEFA Champions League football and are moving quickly to bolster the midfield department for Michael Carrick – who has been confirmed as the permanent replacement for Ruben Amorim on a deal running until July 2028.

Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla believes the transfer is already complete – with Sport Italia CEO Michele Criscitiello adding that it will be worth €50m (£43m) in total.

So, who is Ederson? Manchester United fans can find out below.

Manchester United nearing deal for “class” Ederson

Over the years, viewers of the Premier League have become all too aware of just how important an effective defensive midfielder can be. Fabinho played a key role in his debut season as Liverpool won the 2019/20 Premier League title, while N’Golo Kante helped both Leicester and Chelsea become champions of England in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Ederson boasts the potential to have a similarly transformative impact on Manchester United.

The Brazil international is so effective in the middle of the park that he was even named Man of the Match by some outlets in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League final, despite Ademola Lookman scoring all three goals to secure a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

The Athletic were one outlet who hailed Ederson despite the brilliance of Lookman, even writing that there is “a touch of the Roy Keane” about the South American.

Former Manchester United star Owen Hargreaves was memorably blown away while on commentary duty for TNT Sports on the night, saying: “Ederson has been class. He’s been absolutely first class. Ederson looks like he’s got a double out there. He’s been everywhere.”

The numbers back that comment up.

In the 2025/26 Serie A campaign just gone, Ederson – who has been called “one of the best” – averaged two tackles every 90 minutes, according to WhoScored.

Only Casemiro – who is leaving Old Trafford this summer – and Manuel Ugarte recorded more for Manchester United in the Premier League this season.

TBR Football understand Manchester United were also keen to sign Ederson back in April 2025 – and if those reports in Italy are to be trusted, the deal is now on the verge of finally happening.

• Full name: Ederson Jose dos Santos Lourenco da Silva
• Age: 26
• Date of birth: 7 July 1999
• Height: 1.82m (6ft)
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Place of birth: Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul
• Club: Atalanta
• Position: Central midfielder