Manchester United is moving quickly to lock in its first summer signing, and the plan has a distinctly international flavor. According to Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport, Atalanta midfielder Ederson is scheduled to undergo his medical with the club in New York—immediately after Brazil’s World Cup group-stage match against Morocco.
The deal, initially agreed at roughly £35 million plus £3.8 million in potential add-ons, was reportedly sealed nearly a month ago. United beat out Atletico Madrid for the 26-year-old, and Casemiro—a former teammate at the Brazilian national team—is said to have recommended the move to the Old Trafford brass.
Here’s the timeline: Ederson, a late addition to Brazil’s World Cup squad, was an unused substitute in the Seleção’s 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday. The next day, reports surfaced that the midfielder will fly to New York after the Morocco match to complete his medical. Once that’s done, the final signatures are expected to follow. The summer transfer window officially opens Monday, meaning United could announce the deal as early as next week—or wait until Brazil’s World Cup run ends to avoid distracting the player.
The contract is reportedly a four-year deal with a club option for a fifth year. That’s a significant commitment from United for a player who, at 26, is entering his prime. But there’s a twist: Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has been experimenting with Ederson at right back during training, a role the midfielder has rarely played at club level. Fans online noted the versatility could make him more valuable, but it also raises questions about where he’ll fit in Erik ten Hag’s system.
United’s midfield already features Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount, but Ederson’s profile—a box-to-box engine with defensive bite—fills a specific need. At Atalanta, he averaged over two tackles per game in Serie A last season while also chipping in with five goals and four assists. His ability to break lines with carries and recover possession quickly makes him a natural fit for the Premier League’s pace.
For now, United fans will be watching Brazil’s World Cup matches with extra interest. If Ederson gets minutes—whether in midfield or at that experimental right-back spot—it’ll be a preview of what’s coming to Manchester. The deal isn’t done until the ink is dry, but the medical in New York suggests the finish line is finally in sight.
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