Manchester United agree £35m Ederson deal but World Cup call delays Old Trafford switch

Manchester United have agreed a £35 million deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but his unexpected call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad means the transfer will not be completed until after the tournament concludes.

United had planned to wrap up the signing in early July, with Ederson set to join the club for a full pre-season at Carrington. Those plans have been pushed back after the 26-year-old was named in the Brazil squad as a replacement for the injured Wesley.

The agreed package includes up to £3.8 million in add-ons, and a four-year contract with the option of a fifth year has been finalised with the player. While it is not impossible that Ederson completes the paperwork during the World Cup — should both the player and the Brazilian football federation (CBF) consent — the more likely scenario is that he undergoes his medical and signs once Brazil’s campaign ends, before being granted a period of rest.

United will nonetheless consider the timing fortunate. Had the deal not been agreed before Ederson’s call-up, strong performances on the international stage could have attracted rival clubs. With the midfielder entering the final year of his Atalanta contract, a competitive bidding war was a realistic possibility.

The delay does mean Ederson will miss a portion of pre-season, having originally been expected to be available throughout the summer. United will now plan his integration into Ruben Amorim’s squad around his return from international duty.

Midfield remains an area of focus for the club beyond the Ederson deal. United hold an interest in a number of players in that position, including West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, as they look to add further depth before the new season begins.