The script has completely changed for Manchester United and their first major signing of the summer. Just when everyone thought Atalanta midfielder Éderson would be spending his June relaxing on holiday before arriving at Carrington on day one of pre-season, a dramatic twist has completely thrown a wrench into the timeline.
United hierarchy had successfully locked in a €45 million total package deal with Atalanta for the dynamic 26-year-old midfielder, intending for him to be the immediate replacement for the departing veteran Casemiro. Because Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti initially left Éderson out of his final 26-man World Cup squad, everything was lined up perfectly for a quick, hassle-free transition into life at Old Trafford under Michael Carrick.
Then came Sunday’s sudden medical update from South America.
Roma full-back Wesley suffered a severe adductor muscle injury in his left thigh during training, forcing him out of the entire tournament in North America. Needing urgent cover and a powerful physical presence, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) officially confirmed that Éderson has been handed a last-minute call-up to join the Seleção for their quest for a sixth world title.
While it is a massive career milestone for the player, it creates an immediate headache for the Old Trafford transfer team.
The summer transfer window officially opens on June 15, and the plan was to have the Brazilian complete his mandatory UK medical and sign his long-term contract by early July. With Éderson now boarding a plane to join up with his national team camp instead of a plane to Manchester, his official unveiling will face inevitable delays.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed that everything between the two clubs is fully agreed upon and signed on paper, with a basic unofficial medical clearance already completed with Atalanta’s permission. United fans do not need to panic about the transfer collapsing entirely, but they will have to wait until Brazil’s World Cup journey concludes before seeing their new powerhouse midfielder holding up the famous red shirt.
