On the eve of the World Cup, a Brazilian full-back's injury opened a door for a Manchester United-bound midfielder to join the tournament. Atalanta's Ederson, 26, was a shock late addition to Brazil's squad after Wesley tore a thigh muscle in a warm-up match against Egypt. The call-up came just days before Brazil's opening group game, and it could delay his already-agreed £35 million move to Manchester United.
Ederson is set to become Michael Carrick's first signing as Manchester United manager. The Red Devils agreed a £35m fee (with up to £4m in add-ons) with Atalanta, and the transfer is expected to be completed in early July, subject to a medical. United are prioritising a midfield rebuild after Casemiro left and Manuel Ugarte looks likely to depart. Ederson, who has three senior Brazil caps, has played 180 games for Atalanta across various central midfield roles, scoring 16 goals.
“Explains Ederson's £35m Man Utd transfer and his late World Cup call-up for Brazil.”
His path to the World Cup opened when Wesley, a 22-year-old Roma defender, limped off in tears after 15 minutes of Brazil's 2-1 win over Egypt. A scan confirmed a muscle injury to his left adductor. Brazil's football confederation (CBF) said: "The MRI scan revealed a muscle injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh… Wesley is a player much loved by the squad." Ancelotti had originally selected only five midfielders in his 26-man squad, so Ederson adds depth. He will join Brazil's delegation in the United States on Monday.
For UK readers, this is important because Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the country, and their new signing will feature at a World Cup that includes Scotland in Brazil's group. Scotland face Brazil on 24 June in Miami. Ederson's participation could push back his arrival at Old Trafford for pre-season: United's first friendly is against Wrexham on 18 July, the day before the World Cup final. If Brazil go deep, he may miss the start of pre-season entirely.
Q: Why did Ederson get a late World Cup call-up? A: After Brazil full-back Wesley suffered a thigh injury in a warm-up match, Brazil called up Ederson as a replacement, adding midfield depth to Carlo Ancelotti's squad.
Q: How much is Manchester United paying for Ederson? A: United agreed a £35m fee with Atalanta, with potential £4m in add-ons. The transfer is expected to be completed in early July, subject to a medical.
Q: Will Ederson's World Cup involvement delay his Manchester United move? A: Likely yes. Ederson will join Brazil's squad and could be at the World Cup until the final on 19 July, which may delay his arrival for United's pre-season starting 18 July.
What happens next: Ederson joins Brazil in the US on Monday. Brazil start their Group C campaign against Morocco on 13 June in New York, then face Haiti on 19 June and Scotland on 24 June. Manchester United's pre-season begins in July; the transfer is expected to be confirmed after Ederson returns from the tournament. United also continue to target other midfield reinforcements, including West Ham's Mateus Fernandes.