Fabrizio Romano expects Ederson to finalise his transfer to Manchester United in the coming weeks, while revealing why the deal has yet to be announced.
The Red Devils must buy three new central midfielders this summer to join Kobbie Mainoo following Casemiro’s exit and Manuel Ugarte’s devastating ACL injury.
INEOS have fallen short in their quest to sign Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, as they were outbid by Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, but they have at least managed to strike an agreement with Atalanta for Ederson.
Ederson must complete second medical before joining Man United
With only one year left on his contract with the Serie A club, Ederson was available at a discount. Man Utd reportedly agreed a deal to sign him for £35 million plus £4 million in bonuses.
The Brazilian midfielder was originally expected to finalise his transfer to Carrington last month. However, a late World Cup call-up from Carlo Ancelotti following Wesley’s injury delayed his arrival.
Nevertheless, Fabrizio Romano insists the operation has never been in doubt. But while players sealed transfers during their World Cup participation, like Anderson and Ismael Saibari (who joined Bayern Munich), Ederson won’t be able to sign for the Red Devils during his presence in North America.
As the Italian journalist explains, the Brazilian international will have to undergo the second part of his medical in Manchester.
“They (United) have a verbal agreement with Atalanta, so the two clubs have an agreement since one month ago, but they’re waiting for Ederson to have the second part of his medical with Manchester United in England before approving everything,” said Romano in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
“So verbal agreement club-to-club, documents prepared, first part of the medical [done], but waiting on the second part of the medical, the official one with Manchester United, that’s why Ederson to Man Utd is not official yet.’’
What’s next for Man Utd after landing Ederson
Man Utd may have struck a real coup by landing Ederson. The 26-year-old, who was hailed as an ‘extraordinary’ player by his former Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, will arrive for less than £40 million, while less accomplished Premier League midfielders are being valued at double the price.
Nevertheless, INEOS must adjust to the new valuations of a rapidly inflating transfer market and simply start meeting the sellers’ demands, as they cannot afford to come out empty-handed while their rivals are recruiting the best available players on the market.
United are reportedly pursuing various profiles at the moment, particularly Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha. But it remains to be seen which of these players will become available on the market, and at what price.
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