​Amid swirling doubt about whether Manchester United will complete a transfer for Ederson, an insider at Old Trafford has shed light on the club’s plans for the Brazilian midfielder. United have long been linked with Ederson, now 27, across several transfer windows dating back to 2023. At the time, Atalanta’s exorbitant asking price—up to £70 million—blocked a move, even though United officials admired the player. This summer, the interest resurfaced after Atalanta shifted their stance on Ederson’s contract situation, which is due to expire in twelve months.
In recent months, Atletico Madrid and Arsenal have shown interest, and several of Atalanta’s Italian rivals also contemplated making a raid. Yet United remained in the background, quietly monitoring developments. By keeping a close eye on Ederson’s form this season and staying in contact with the player’s representatives, INEOS moved decisively to enter the race, with Atletico Madrid reportedly locked in talks to finalise a deal.
At the start of June, a £39 million deal was quickly agreed with Atalanta, with whom United maintain an excellent working relationship. Once the interest from Manchester United became clear, Ederson reportedly prioritised the Premier League champions over other suitors. The plan had been for him to travel to England to complete a medical after the move was confirmed, but a late call-up by Brazil’s coach for the World Cup to replace an injured right-back altered those plans and introduced new doubts about whether the transfer would go through.
Manchester United are said to want final guarantees before proceeding, insisting on thorough medical examinations despite having already completed one last month. This has fed stories in Brazil that the deal has stalled, even as United officials maintained last weekend that there was no cause for concern. The Daily Mail reported that concerns were raised during the first medical, potentially explaining the shift in sentiment. However, TEAMtalk says United are still pushing ahead and that the transfer remains firmly on track, despite sensational reports from Ederson’s homeland on Sunday suggesting it was collapsing. A well-placed source told TEAMtalk that there are no issues with the move: Ederson is due for a medical in England as soon as logistics allow, and all confirmations will follow in due course, but the move remains in place and on schedule.
Beyond Ederson, United have also reached a £50 million agreement with Chelsea to sign Andrey Santos, the 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder. Santos is set to travel to Manchester, where he will undergo the appropriate procedures before finalising the transfer.