Manchester United‘s agreement to sign Ederson from Atalanta for a fee of up to £38million in early June is now reportedly facing uncertainty. While the club denies claims that the deal is off, multiple reports suggest that an underlying knee injury has complicated the transfer following a medical examination in the UK.
The 27-year-old midfielder had expressed a strong desire to join United and had hinted during the World Cup that the move was largely confirmed. However, journalist Fabrizio Romano has indicated that the knee issue has derailed the transfer. Other reports on Friday evening also suggested that the Brazil international would not be moving to Old Trafford.
Despite these reports, United maintains that the move is not considered off. The club had previously reached an agreement with Atalanta for a fee reported to be £35million, plus £3.8m in add-ons, ahead of the World Cup. Ederson is expected to sign a four-year contract with United.
Transfer Market Activity
Manchester United has been active in the transfer market, agreeing to a deal for Andrey Santos from Chelsea for an initial fee of £48million, with potential add-ons of £2million. This brings the total package for Santos to £50million. Former United midfielder Nicky Butt has reportedly expressed concerns regarding this signing.
The club is also reportedly close to securing goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer after his departure from Leeds United. Darlow, 35, is expected to serve as a backup to Senne Lammens, with three goalkeepers anticipated to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Strengthening the midfield remains a priority for United. While alternatives are not expected to be inexpensive, Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni is reportedly of interest. Bournemouth has placed an £80million valuation on Alex Scott, another player linked with United. Reports suggest that Real Madrid may be open to considering offers for Tchouameni, potentially demanding at least €100m (approximately £85m).
Other players linked with Old Trafford include Sander Berge, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Felix Nmecha. Borussia Dortmund reportedly values Nmecha, 25, at around €120m (about £103m). Crysencio Summerville of West Ham is also associated with a potential £50m move to enhance the club’s attacking options, with talks reportedly ongoing.
Goalkeeping and Other Targets
In other news, Orlando Gill of Paraguay emerged as a notable goalkeeper during the 2026 World Cup, attracting the attention of several European clubs. The 26-year-old was named Player of the Match in his nation’s knockout games against Germany and France, notably saving penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade.
United are also reportedly interested in signing Neco Williams from Nottingham Forest, with Newcastle also exploring a move for the Wales international. Williams, who joined Forest in 2022 for £17million, is under contract until 2029.
The future of Marcus Rashford also needs to be addressed following the conclusion of his loan spell at Barcelona. The England international is set to return to United after the World Cup as both parties work on a plan. In terms of outgoings, Andre Onana has returned to Trabzonspor on another season-long loan, and Casemiro has departed after his contract expired.
Meanwhile, Morten Hjulmand, who was linked with United, has signed a five-year contract with Atletico Madrid. The deal with Sporting CP was eventually struck for €45million (£38.4m).
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Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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As News-GB's Sports Reporter, Megan Sinclair reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name interviewing rising British talent. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Edinburgh and completed an NCTJ diploma. Megan lives in Edinburgh, where she plays club tennis and follows track athletics. “Give the athletes room and the story tells itself.”