Ederson's £35m Manchester United move faces delay after Brazil World Cup call-up

Manchester United’s agreed £35m signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson is at risk of being delayed after Brazil called him up to their 2026 World Cup squad as injury cover.

The 26-year-old was set to complete a move to Old Trafford on an initial fee of £35 million, but will now join Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil camp ahead of the tournament in North America. The call-up came after Roma full-back Wesley was ruled out of the World Cup with a muscle injury to the adductor in his left thigh, confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) following an MRI scan on Sunday.

Brazil’s original squad had included just five midfielders, among them Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães and veteran Casemiro. Ederson’s addition provides Ancelotti with greater depth in the middle of the park as the Seleção chase a sixth World Cup title — and their first since 2002.

The timing of the call-up creates a complication for United’s transfer business. While the deal between the clubs is understood to be in place, Ederson’s participation in the World Cup means the formalities of his move to Manchester could be pushed back until after the tournament concludes.

United had been moving to strengthen their midfield options ahead of next season, and Ederson — who has been a key figure in Atalanta’s recent campaigns — was identified as a priority target. At 26, he fits the profile of a player in his prime years who can contribute immediately at Old Trafford.