Manchester United Hijack Attempt: Red Devils Challenge Atletico Madrid for Atalanta’s Éderson

Manchester United identifies Atalanta's Éderson as the primary replacement for Casemiro, entering a transfer battle with Atletico Madrid. See the €50m details.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 5:49 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Red Devils Enter the Midfield Fray

Manchester United has officially identified Atalanta’s engine room standout, Éderson, as a vital target for their upcoming summer rebuild. According to reports from The Guardian and The People’s Person, the Brazilian midfielder has been placed at the top of a shortlist curated by United’s Director of Football, Jason Wilcox. The move comes at a time when the Premier League club is seeking to overhaul its central midfield options, specifically looking for a high-intensity profile capable of filling the defensive and transitional void expected this June.

The Duel with Atletico Madrid

The pursuit of Éderson is complicated by the advanced position of Atletico Madrid, who have reportedly been in negotiations with the player since early April. Transfer experts, including Fabrizio Romano, indicate that while personal terms have been agreed upon between the Colchoneros and the Brazilian international, a definitive club-to-club agreement with Atalanta remains elusive. This lack of a finalized fee has provided Manchester United with a strategic window to "hijack" the transfer, with the English club’s representatives already making formal contact with the player’s side to pitch the sporting project at Old Trafford.

Financial Valuation and Market Competition

Atalanta’s hierarchy has set a valuation of approximately €50 million (£42 million) for the 26-year-old, whose current contract in Bergamo extends until June 2027. While Atletico Madrid was initially hopeful of securing a deal closer to the €35–40 million mark, the entry of Premier League financial heavyweights like Manchester United—and reported interest from Arsenal—is likely to drive the price toward Atalanta’s higher asking fee. The Italian club is in a strong negotiating position following Éderson's instrumental role in their recent European campaigns and his consistent form in Serie A.