Ederson is still on course to join Manchester United despite recent reports suggesting the deal had collapsed. The Atalanta midfielder has all but completed his move to Old Trafford, even though neither the club nor his representatives have yet made an official announcement.
Agreement Reached and Personal Terms Finalised
A £35 million plus £3.8 million in add-ons agreement for the Brazilian international has been struck with his current side. Personal terms have also been finalised, with the player set to put pen to paper on a four-year contract once the transfer is concluded.
Amid growing attention on other midfield targets, rumours circulated today claiming the Ederson deal had fallen through. The Manchester Evening News states this is not the case.
World Cup Involvement Delays Medical
The original agreement remains firmly in place and Ederson is still anticipated to arrive at Old Trafford. The reason no announcement has been forthcoming is that he has been at the World Cup with Brazil.
The South American has yet to undergo a medical, which is typically one of the final stages in any transfer. However, he is unable to complete this with United until he is back from the tournament.
It may not be long until a deal is wrapped up as Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup after losing 2-1 to Norway. It's currently unclear as to whether he will be allowed to have a break before he completes a deal or whether he will quickly look to get the medical finished.
Potential Debut and Midfield Needs
It's currently unclear as to whether Ederson will be able to feature in United's pre-season matches. Between July 18 and August 1, Michael Carrick's squad will take on Wrexham in Helsinki, Finland, Rosenberg in Trondheim, Norway, and Atletico Madrid in Stockholm, Sweden.
The friendly against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg, Sweden, on August 8 may be earmarked as his potential debut in a United shirt. By the time United begin their Scandinavian pre-season tour, Carrick will undoubtedly be hoping Ederson isn't the only midfielder available to him.
Currently, Kobbie Mainoo is the sole senior central midfielder in his squad, with Casemiro departing and Manuel Ugarte sidelined with a serious knee injury sustained while representing Uruguay at the World Cup. United continue to be linked with various midfielders.
Other Midfield Targets
Former targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes were both considered too costly by the time they signed for Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, respectively. Sandro Tonali is also poised to join the latter in a transfer understood to be worth around £100 million, having previously been connected with United.
Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, Bournemouth's Alex Scott, and, most recently, Andrey Santos of Chelsea have all appeared on their transfer shortlist.
