Medical Hurdle Puts Brakes on Deal
Manchester United's protracted pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson is facing fresh uncertainty, with BBC Sport reporting that medical tests have flagged an issue, casting serious doubt over the £35m transfer. The two clubs had agreed a fee on 2 June, and the 27-year-old was expected to complete his medical in early July before joining United’s pre-season preparations. However, a late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad forced a delay, and despite Brazil being eliminated by Norway, the planned examination has still not taken place.
“Sources have said medical tests have shown there is an issue, with one telling BBC Sport the deal is off. However, sources at both clubs deny that is the case and say no decision has been made around the transfer.”
Ederson made two substitute appearances at the World Cup and is thought to remain in the United States while the situation remains unresolved. The impasse leaves both clubs and the player in a state of limbo, with pre-season already underway.
Summer of Frustration for United
Should the deal collapse, it would mark the latest in a series of setbacks for the Old Trafford outfit in a transfer window that has failed to deliver its primary midfield targets. After securing a third-place finish and Champions League qualification last season, manager Ruben Amorim had identified midfield as the priority area to reinforce.
United’s first-choice option, Elliot Anderson, became too expensive when Nottingham Forest’s asking price spiralled to £116m, a figure the club were unwilling to match. They then turned to Mateus Fernandes, but a change in hierarchy at West Ham and fierce competition from Tottenham saw the Portuguese international move to north London in an £85m deal, with United’s matching offer containing less favourable payment terms.
United have since wrapped up deals for Andrey Santos from Chelsea and goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds, but the Ederson saga has created an air of frustration among fans, who are still waiting for a marquee midfield signing.
What Next for United's Midfield Search?
Italian media, including Football Italia, have speculated that United may have used the medical as a pretext to walk away from the deal, with rumoured interest in Manu Kone of Borussia Mönchengladbach seen as a possible alternative. However, these claims remain unverified, and both United and Atalanta maintain publicly that no final decision has been made.
If the transfer does fall through, United will have to return to the drawing board with the new Premier League season just weeks away. The club's hierarchy, led by incoming director of football Jason Wilcox, will be under pressure to deliver reinforcements for a squad that must compete on multiple fronts, including a return to Europe's top competition.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester United’s £35m deal for Ederson is in jeopardy after a medical flagged an undisclosed issue.
- The Brazilian midfielder was due to have his medical after the World Cup, but the process has been stalled, with sources disagreeing on whether the transfer is off.
- It is the latest setback in a summer where United have missed out on top targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes.
- United have already completed deals for Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow, but a midfield addition remains a priority.
- Italian reports claim United may be using the medical as an excuse to pursue other targets, but nothing has been confirmed.
Quick Facts
Agreed Fee: £35m
Player: Ederson (Brazil midfielder, 27)
Club: Atalanta
Contract: Until 2027
World Cup: Made two appearances as substitute for Brazil
Medical: Not yet completed; issue flagged
