Atalanta midfielder Ederson just about confirmed what everyone already suspected. His move to Manchester United is basically wrapped up.
The Brazilian told reporters at the World Cup that the transfer is “almost done” following reports he went through a medical in New York last Sunday. He said he has to enjoy the tournament first, but made it clear the deal is close to finished.
What Ederson Actually Said
Standing in front of cameras at the World Cup, Ederson kept it pretty simple. “I have to wait. Now I have to enjoy this moment, then we will see. Certainly, everything is almost done.”
He called the World Cup a wonderful experience and said he wants to soak it in. Fair enough. But the part everyone heard was “everything is almost done.”
That lines up with what transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano posted a couple weeks ago. He wrote on social media that Manchester United and Atalanta had completed all the paperwork on a €45 million package deal. Romano called it “100 percent confirmed” and said Ederson had agreed to terms back in May.
Why United Needed Another Midfielder
This isn’t some random splurge. United finished third under Michael Carrick and locked up Champions League money, which helps. But they’re also losing bodies in midfield. Casemiro is leaving. Manuel Ugarte is leaving. That’s two guys out the door.
Romano said at the time that Ederson is just the first piece. United wants at least one more midfielder. Possibly more. They’re going to be busy.
Former Tottenham defender Sandro weighed in and said United basically got a bargain. He pointed out that other names linked to United — Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, Aurelien Tchouameni — would cost way more than the £38 million fee for Ederson. Sandro called it “a bit of a bargain” in today’s market.
He also noted Ederson’s physical game should translate fine to the Premier League. Sandro said other Premier League clubs wanted him too.
What Comes Next
Ederson is at the World Cup right now representing Brazil. The move likely gets finalized after the tournament ends. United probably announces it officially sometime this summer.
Meanwhile, the rumor mill keeps turning. Expect more names. United needs bodies in midfield and they’ve got money to spend. This is just the start.
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