Ederson's £35m Manchester United move in doubt after knee injury
Manchester United's £35m move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson is in doubt after knee concerns surfaced during medical checks, with The Times reporting the 27-year-old Brazil international must pass further tests before the club commits to completing the transfer. A fee of £35m plus £3.8m in add-ons was agreed weeks ago, but INEOS are now weighing whether to proceed.
Key Takeaways
- Ederson's proposed £35m switch from Atalanta to Manchester United is no longer certain after medical concerns emerged.
- United agreed terms ahead of the World Cup but delayed completion until Brazil's tournament exit.
- A first medical check took place in the United States; further examinations in England will decide the deal.
- Reports suggest Manchester United could pull the plug and pursue alternative midfield targets if tests fail.
- Andrey Santos from Chelsea is moving closer to joining United while the Ederson saga remains unresolved.
What happened to Ederson's Manchester United transfer?
According to the London Evening Standard, Manchester United struck a deal with Atalanta for Ederson worth £35million plus £3.8m in add-ons ahead of the World Cup. The Brazilian midfielder was set to become Michael Carrick's first summer signing on a four-year contract.
Completion was held up while Ederson represented Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. After the Selecao were knocked out in the last 16 by Norway, he was expected to fly to England to undergo a medical and formalise the move. Fabrizio Romano had described the agreement as "100 per cent confirmed" in June, yet the transfer remains unsigned.
Why is Ederson's medical causing concern?
The Times reports that Ederson's move is in doubt due to a knee injury, with Manchester United set to conduct further tests before deciding. Football365 cites concerns raised during initial medical examinations in the United States, prompting United to schedule additional checks with their own staff in England.
Transfer expert Pete O'Rourke told Football Insider, relayed by Football365, that there are "doubts about his recent injury history and the potential impact of that." ESPN Brasil journalist Felipe Silva described the operation as "stalled at this moment." Romano stressed the deal is verbally agreed but not yet closed, signed or completed.
What happens next for Manchester United and Ederson?
Ederson is due to undergo a thorough medical at Old Trafford. Manchester United will then communicate to Atalanta and the player's camp whether they proceed or walk away. The Times notes the 27-year-old is desperate to complete the switch, but the club's verdict rests on the outcome of those examinations.
INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have avoided bidding wars this summer, with United missing out on targets including Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. Football365 reports the club could pull the plug on Ederson and turn attention to other midfield options if medical results disappoint. For broader transfer-market context, see our Fintech & Crypto Alerts coverage.
Could Manchester United still strengthen midfield without Ederson?
Despite the uncertainty, United's summer rebuild continues elsewhere. Football365 reports Andrey Santos passed his medical and is set to join from Chelsea in a deal worth around £50m. The Evening Standard notes Ederson was expected to be the first of at least two new midfielders Carrick wants this window.
If the Ederson transfer collapses, United may need to revisit their shortlist quickly. Football365 suggests INEOS are already monitoring alternative targets rather than overpaying in a crowded market. A final decision on Ederson could arrive imminently once the second round of medical tests concludes.