Ederson set for Man Utd medical after Brazil's World Cup exit clears £38m transfer

Manchester United are on the verge of completing the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the 26-year-old set to travel to the UK for his medical after Brazil were eliminated from the World Cup in the round of 16.

United and Atalanta agreed a deal worth up to £38 million at the beginning of June, with personal terms on a contract until 2030 also already in place. Ederson’s move to Old Trafford was always scheduled to be finalised in July, a timeline that was complicated only by his late call-up to Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the tournament.

The midfielder made two substitute appearances at the World Cup, including a cameo in Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway that ended their campaign. With Brazil heading home, Ederson can now turn his full attention to his club future. Reports from Italy indicate he has already undergone initial medical checks while with Brazil in the United States, with only the final stage of the process remaining. No precise date has been set, as Ederson is expected to take a short break before linking up with his new team-mates.

Ederson was identified by manager Michael Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox as a direct replacement for Casemiro, who departed Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract. His arrival would represent Carrick’s first signing since being named permanent manager in May.

The need for midfield reinforcement has grown more urgent after Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup and is expected to miss most of the 2026-27 season. United had also pursued Elliot Anderson before losing out to Manchester City, and were subsequently beaten to Matheus Fernandes by Tottenham, who paid West Ham a fixed £85 million for the Brazilian.

Other midfield targets reportedly include Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, and Bournemouth youngster Alex Scott. Beyond midfield, United are also in the market for a backup goalkeeper, a left-back, a left winger, and a striker as Carrick looks to reshape the squad ahead of a pivotal season.