Ederson Backed By Pirlo To Make An Impact At Manchester United Amid Transfer Talks

Andrea Pirlo backs Ederson to thrive in the Premier League as the midfielder closes on a transfer to Manchester United, with a reported 45m (38m) agreement in place with Atalanta and Brazil’s World Cup exit now allowing the 27-year-old to complete the move to Old Trafford.

Manchester United, who climbed to third place in the Premier League last season after a strong mid-season response under Michael Carrick, start the 2026-27 campaign away to newly promoted Hull City on 22 August before hosting another promoted club, Ipswich Town, at Old Trafford one week later.

Ederson is set to join Manchester United after four seasons with Atalanta, who signed the midfielder from Salernitana, with the agreed 45m (38m) fee reflecting a spell that brought 180 appearances in all competitions, 16 goals and five assists during a period of regular action in Serie A and Europe.

Pirlo, speaking to the Daily Mail, highlighted the attributes that Ederson could offer Carrick’s side, stating: "I think he’s a player suited to the Premier League: he’s a runner, dynamic and gritty," before adding: "I believe he’s a player capable of adapting very well to that league."

Across all competitions for Atalanta, only Mattia Zaccagni with 959 duels and Bryan Cristante with 991 recorded more duels than Ederson’s 862 among Serie A players since Ederson’s debut, with the midfielder’s transfer initially delayed when Brazil called Ederson into the World Cup squad as a late addition before the Selecao’s elimination reopened the way for Ederson’s medical.

Ederson had been expected to seal the Old Trafford switch earlier in the summer, yet the late World Cup opportunity briefly altered those plans, and Manchester United now move towards finalising a midfield addition that Pirlo views as well suited to the Premier League style and Carrick’s developing structure.