Ederson Transfer Saga Continues
Manchester United‘s pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson has encountered complications, with reports suggesting the deal may be in jeopardy due to an underlying knee injury. The club had reportedly agreed personal terms with the 27-year-old and struck a deal with the Italian club worth up to £38million in early June. However, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the status of the transfer.
Brazilian news site O’Globo claimed the deal was called off following Ederson’s medical examination. Conversely, Manchester United has denied claims of reversing their decision to sign the player, with the Manchester Evening News understanding that the club still plans to proceed with the signing. Journalist Fabrizio Romano, however, has indicated that a knee issue discovered during a medical in the UK has derailed the transfer.
Despite these conflicting accounts, multiple other reports on Friday evening also suggested that the Brazil international would not be moving to Old Trafford. The midfielder had reportedly been eager to join United and had hinted during the World Cup that the move was all but confirmed. The club had previously held off finalising the deal until Brazil’s involvement in the World Cup concluded.
Midfield Reinforcement Plans
The potential uncertainty surrounding Ederson’s transfer comes as Manchester United aims to strengthen their midfield. The club has been proactive in its summer transfer business, with reports indicating a focus on smart market decisions rather than lavish spending. Alternatives for midfield reinforcement are not expected to be inexpensive, with several high-profile players linked to Old Trafford.
Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni is said to be of interest, with reports suggesting the Spanish club may be open to offers for the 26-year-old, who is reportedly priced at £85million. Bournemouth has reportedly placed an £80million valuation on Alex Scott, another midfielder linked with United. Other players mentioned include Sander Berge, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Felix Nmecha, with competition expected from clubs like Newcastle and Arsenal.
In addition to midfield targets, United is reportedly closing in on the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a deal worth £48million, plus a further £2million in add-ons. This potential transfer, along with the reported agreement for Ederson, would represent a combined total of approximately £85million for midfield acquisitions. However, the club is not expected to stop there, with fresh reports linking them to France midfielder Manu Kone, currently under contract at Italian club Roma, who are reportedly prepared to consider offers in the region of £50m.
Other Transfer Activities and Departures
Beyond midfield, Manchester United is also reportedly close to completing the signing of goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer after he left Leeds United. The 35-year-old is expected to provide backup to Senne Lammens, with three goalkeepers anticipated to depart Old Trafford this summer. Darlow was offered a new deal at Elland Road after making 22 Premier League starts last season.
In terms of outgoings, Andre Onana has returned to Trabzonspor on another season-long loan, and Casemiro has departed following the expiration of his contract. The future of Marcus Rashford also needs to be resolved following the end of his Barcelona loan, with the England star set to return to United after the World Cup as the parties work out a plan.
Another goalkeeper, Paraguay’s Orlando Gill, has also been placed on the radar of multiple European clubs, including Manchester United, following his performances at the 2026 World Cup. He was named Player of the Match against both Germany and France in his nation’s knockout games, notably denying Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade in a penalty shootout against Germany.
Meanwhile, United-linked Morten Hjulmand has reportedly signed a five-year contract with Atletico Madrid. There were some delays in reaching a €45million (£38.4m) agreement, but the deal with Sporting CP was eventually struck. The club is also reportedly interested in signing Nottingham Forest star Neco Williams, with Newcastle also exploring a move for the Wales international, who is under contract at the City Ground until 2029.
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Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”