Ederson deal still on despite collapse claims as Brazil's World Cup exit clears path to Old Trafford
The MEN can confirm the £35 million plus £3.8 million in add-ons deal remains in place, with a four-year contract agreed. The only delay is a medical that could not be completed while the midfielder was at the World Cup.
Ederson is still expected to join Manchester United despite recent reports claiming the transfer was off. The Manchester Evening News can confirm this is not the case: the original deal is still in place and the Brazilian is expected to arrive at Old Trafford.
A £35 million plus £3.8 million in add-ons deal has been agreed with Atalanta. Personal terms have also been agreed on a four-year contract. The reason no announcement has been made is that Ederson has been at the World Cup with Brazil and has not yet completed a medical, which is usually one of the final steps in any transfer.
His medical could now be completed sooner rather than later after Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup, losing 2-0 to Norway with a brace from Manchester City's Erling Haaland. It is unclear whether United will give him time to rest and recover or look to wrap things up as quickly as possible.
When could he play?
United's Scandinavian pre-season tour runs from July 18 to August 1, with fixtures against Wrexham in Helsinki, Rosenberg in Trondheim and Atletico Madrid in Stockholm. It is unclear whether Carrick could call on him for any of those games.
The friendly with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on August 8 may be a more realistic target for his first appearance in a United shirt.
How badly do United need him?
Desperately. Kobbie Mainoo is currently the only senior central midfielder in Michael Carrick's squad, with Casemiro having left and Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious knee injury while playing for Uruguay at the World Cup.
United have already been deemed too expensive on Elliot Anderson (Manchester City, £116m), Mateus Fernandes (Tottenham, £85m) and Sandro Tonali (Tottenham, around £100m). Other targets including Aurelien Tchouameni, Alex Scott and Andrey Santos remain on the radar, but by the time the tour begins, Carrick will certainly be hoping Ederson is not the only midfielder he can call upon.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Ederson still signing for Manchester United?
- Yes, despite recent rumours, the £38.8 million deal for the Atalanta midfielder is still expected to go ahead as originally planned.
- Why hasn't the Ederson transfer been announced yet?
- The announcement was delayed because Ederson was representing Brazil at the World Cup and still needs to complete his medical examination.
- Who is currently available in Manchester United's midfield?
- Kobbie Mainoo is currently the only fit senior central midfielder, as Casemiro has left the club and Manuel Ugarte is sidelined with a knee injury.