With just days to go before Brazil’s first World Cup group match, an injury has opened the door for a Manchester United-bound midfielder to join the squad. Ederson, a 26-year-old midfielder who has agreed a £35m move from Atalanta to Manchester United, has been called up to replace injured full-back Wesley.
Ederson was named in Brazil's 55-man expanded World Cup squad but missed out on manager Carlo Ancelotti's final selection. However, after Wesley suffered a thigh injury during Brazil's 2-1 friendly win over Egypt and was ruled out of the tournament, Ederson was called up. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that Wesley's MRI scan revealed a muscle injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh.
“Ederson's £35m Manchester United transfer and late Brazil World Cup call-up explained.”
Ederson has three international caps, the last of which came in March 2025. He is expected to complete his move to Manchester United in early July after the club agreed a £35m (40.5m euros) fee with Atalanta. The transfer will be Michael Carrick's first signing as Manchester United manager. Ederson has played 180 games for Atalanta in all competitions, scoring 16 goals, and is known for his adaptability across central midfield roles.
For UK readers, this is particularly relevant because Brazil are in Group C of the World Cup alongside Scotland. Ederson could face Scotland on 24 June in Miami, adding a Premier League angle to the match. Manchester United fans will also be keen to see how their new signing performs on the biggest stage before he officially joins the club.
Q: How much did Manchester United agree to pay for Ederson? Manchester United agreed a £35m (40.5m euros) fee with Atalanta for Ederson. The deal is expected to be completed in early July after a medical.
Q: Why was Ederson called up to Brazil's World Cup squad? Ederson replaced Roma full-back Wesley, who was ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury sustained in Brazil's 2-1 friendly win over Egypt. Ederson was not in the original 26-man squad but was added after the injury.
Q: What does this mean for Scotland at the World Cup? Brazil and Scotland are in the same World Cup group (Group C). Ederson, a new Manchester United signing, could now feature against Scotland in their group match on 24 June in Miami, giving extra interest for UK fans.
What happens next: Ederson will join the Brazil squad in the United States on Monday, six days before their opening Group C match against Morocco on Saturday in New York. Meanwhile, Manchester United are expected to complete his transfer in early July, with Ederson becoming part of Carrick’s midfield rebuild. United may also look to sign additional midfielders, as they lack depth in deeper positions after Casemiro's departure and uncertainty over Manuel Ugarte.