Ederson's knee concern stalls Manchester United move as further tests ordered

Manchester United’s pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson is in doubt after a medical examination in the UK uncovered a knee concern, casting uncertainty over what had appeared to be the club’s first signing of the summer transfer window.

United had agreed an initial £35m fee with Atalanta and the deal had been expected to be announced in July, even after Ederson received a late call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad. However, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that an underlying knee issue had derailed proceedings following the medical, with other outlets corroborating that the move to Old Trafford was in serious jeopardy.

It is understood that an initial medical conducted during the World Cup raised concerns relating to a meniscus injury that caused Ederson to miss games for Atalanta last season. United have not publicly disclosed the precise nature of the issue. The midfielder is now undergoing more detailed assessments in Manchester as the club attempts to establish the full picture.

Despite the uncertainty, United insist the deal has not been cancelled. The club’s position is that if further medical tests return satisfactory results, the transfer will be confirmed. Reports circulating in Brazil prior to the national team’s defeat to Norway last weekend had suggested the move was falling through, claims United were quick to rebuke — though speculation has continued to swirl.

With the Ederson situation unresolved, United are pressing ahead with other business as pre-season preparations continue. Andrey Santos is set to join from Chelsea, while free agent goalkeeper Karl Darlow is expected to arrive as back-up to Senne Lammens following his departure from Leeds United.