Ederson Gains Pirlo’s Praise Ahead of United Transfer
**Ederson** received high‑profile endorsement on 5 July 2026 when former Italy star Andrea Pirlo said the Brazil midfielder is built for the Premier League, just as the Atalanta play‑maker edges closer to a Manchester United transfer.
Pirlo told the Daily Mail, via Tuttosport, that Ederson is “a runner, dynamic and gritty”. He added the midfielder “has the qualities to adapt very well” to English football. The former Milan and Juventus deep‑lying playmaker stressed that the Brazilian’s work‑rate and versatility match the physical demands of the league. Pirlo’s comments came while the transfer window remains open, adding weight to United’s reported interest.
Ederson has been a key figure in Atalanta’s recent success, including their Europa League triumph. At 27, he has already logged over 150 Serie A appearances and contributed 12 goals and 18 assists. A switch to Old Trafford would place him on a bigger stage, exposing him to weekly battles against world‑class forwards. Pirlo’s praise highlights the midfielder’s readiness to face that step up, suggesting United could rely on him immediately rather than treating him as a long‑term project.
Manchester United have struggled to replace the creative spark lost after the departure of several midfield stalwarts. Their recent signings have focused on adding energy and ball‑progression, traits Pirlo identified in Ederson. United’s scouting reports reportedly list his ability to cover 11 km per match and his 85 % pass‑completion rate in Serie A as key metrics. If the deal finalises before the 1 September deadline, United could field him in the early Premier League fixtures, giving Mikel Arteta a fresh option in midfield.
During the same interview, Pirlo praised Arsenal’s 2025‑26 Premier League crown, calling it “deserved”. He highlighted the defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães as world‑class, and noted the contributions of Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice. While the focus was on Arsenal, Pirlo’s remarks underline the overall quality of the league Ederson is about to join, reinforcing the notion that the Premier League now attracts top talent from Serie A.
Negotiations between Atalanta and Manchester United are expected to conclude within weeks. United have reportedly offered a €45 million fee, with Ederson set to sign a five‑year contract. The midfielder will likely travel to England for a medical in early August, after which he could be registered for the 2026‑27 season. Fans will watch closely to see if Pirlo’s confidence translates into immediate impact on the pitch.
Arteta favors a high‑pressing system that demands midfielders who can both win duels and recycle possession quickly. Ederson’s “dynamic” nature and proven stamina align with that approach. His ability to drift between defensive duties and forward drives could give United more fluidity, especially against teams that sit deep. If he adapts as Pirlo predicts, United may finally have the midfield balance they have chased for years.