Manchester United are still deliberating whether to proceed with the £35 million signing of Brazilian midfielder Ederson after his medical examination raised a 'concern'. The club, which is pursuing up to three midfielders this summer as part of a major rebuild at Old Trafford, had agreed a deal worth an initial £35 million plus £3.8 million in add-ons with Atalanta in June.
Deal on Hold After World Cup Call-Up
Ederson, 27, paused talks with other interested clubs to focus solely on United. However, the move was put on hold after he was called up to Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad for the World Cup. Initially left out of the 26-man squad, he replaced injured defender Wesley the week before the tournament began.
Ederson underwent an initial medical check before traveling to the US, which 'raised concerns', according to the Daily Mail. He is now back in England completing the final stages of the medical process. United must decide whether to push through the move or 'pull the plug' and look elsewhere.
Another Brazilian Midfielder Close to Joining
United are on the brink of signing another Brazilian, Andrey Santos, with a £50 million deal quickly agreed with Chelsea this week. Santos has agreed personal terms and completed his medical, with the move now close to completion. He is not regarded as an alternative to Ederson; both players are expected to join if the latter passes his final medical checks.
Midfield Reinforcements Needed
United have been linked with other midfielders, including Roma's Manu Kone and Bournemouth's Alex Scott. The club needs bodies in midfield ahead of the new season, especially after Casemiro's departure left a huge void. Manuel Ugarte, who looked set to move on, suffered a knee injury while playing for Uruguay at the World Cup, halting those plans. His lengthy absence heightens United's need for further reinforcements.
While Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount can play in central midfield, Kobbie Mainoo is the club's only natural option until new faces arrive.
