Manchester United close on agreeing deal with Atalanta on Ederson
By Joel Masibo, May 27, 2026Premier League giants Manchester United have reportedly moved a step closer to signing Brazilian midfielder Éderson José dos Santos Lourenço da Silva, simply known as Éderson, after reaching an agreement on personal terms with the player.
The midfielder, who currently plays for Atalanta, is said to have put all other transfer offers on hold as he waits for the Red Devils to make a final decision on whether to proceed with the move.
Reports indicate that Atalanta are seeking a package worth around €45 million for the Brazilian international. However, Manchester United are yet to give the final approval as the club continues assessing several midfield targets ahead of the new season.
Despite the uncertainty, Éderson is reportedly keen on a move to Old Trafford and remains prepared to wait for United’s next move as negotiations continue.
Champions League pathway
After qualifying for European football next season, United have also learned they will be placed in pot two for August’s Champions League draw. So far, 29 of the 36 clubs set to compete have already secured their places after the conclusion of domestic campaigns across Europe.
In England, Villa’s triumph over City on the last day confirmed the Premier League would send five teams into next season’s competition rather than six. Had Villa lost and Liverpool beaten Brentford, sixth-placed Bournemouth would have earned a Champions League berth instead of a Europa League spot alongside Sunderland.
In Spain, Barcelona lifted their 29th La Liga crown on 10 May after defeating Real Madrid 2-0 at Camp Nou. Goals from on-loan United winger Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres secured the title. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal CF, Atlético de Madrid and Real Betis have all confirmed qualification for next season’s tournament.
Italy’s representatives include champions Inter Milan and Napoli, despite Antonio Conte stepping down as Napoli coach. AS Roma and Como 1907 also clinched qualification on the final day, edging out AC Milan and Juventus.
Germany will once again be represented by champions Bayern Munich, alongside Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart.
French champions and reigning finalists Paris Saint-Germain qualified together with RC Lens and Lille OSC.
Elsewhere, PSV Eindhoven claimed the Dutch title ahead of Feyenoord, while Slavia Prague retained the Czech league crown.
In Portugal, FC Porto secured their first league title in four years, with Sporting CP also progressing directly into the Champions League proper.
Turkish giants Galatasaray won a fourth consecutive league title to qualify automatically, while Fenerbahçe will begin from the qualifying rounds.
Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk earned automatic league-phase entry after Arsenal and PSG reached the 2026 final while already qualifying through their domestic leagues.
Belgian champions Club Brugge also secured a place after finishing ahead of Union Saint-Gilloise.
Confirmed teams
The teams currently confirmed for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League are Arsenal, Aston Villa, Atlético de Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Club Brugge, Como, FC Porto, Feyenoord, Galatasaray, Inter Milan, Lens, Lille, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain, PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig, Real Betis, Real Madrid, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Slavia Prague, Sporting CP, Stuttgart and Villarreal.
Overall, the remaining seven sides will be come from the play-off rounds, which begin in July and conclude during the last week of August, 2026.