The Ederson transfer that was supposed to be Manchester United’s midfield solution is hanging by a thread, even as the club pushes ahead with a £50m deal for Brazilian compatriot Andrey Santos.
United agreed a £35m fee for the Atalanta midfielder on 2 June, with a medical scheduled for early July before pre-season. But that plan was scrapped when Ederson received a late call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad. After Brazil were eliminated by Norway, the medical finally took place — and revealed an issue. Sources have told BBC Sport the deal is off, though officials at both clubs deny that and say no decision has been made. Ederson is thought to remain in the United States, leaving fans in limbo.
“Man Utd's £35m Ederson deal in doubt after medical issue; Santos passes £50m Chelsea medical.”
The uncertainty comes as United finally land a midfield target. They have agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for Andrey Santos, who has already passed his medical. The fee includes £48m up front and £2m in what are described as 'achievable' add-ons, plus a 10% sell-on clause. Santos, 22, made 28 Premier League appearances including a loan spell at Nottingham Forest, and brings energy that was missing during Casemiro’s final seasons.
The urgency is acute. Senior players return for pre-season training on Thursday, and with Kobbie Mainoo still at the World Cup with England, Michael Carrick faced opening the campaign against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July with Mason Mount as the only recognised senior midfielder. Casemiro’s contract ended this summer, and Manuel Ugarte is out long-term with cruciate ligament damage.
United had prioritised central midfield after finishing third last season, but saw their top target Elliot Anderson slip away when Nottingham Forest’s asking price spiralled above £110m. They then turned to Mateus Fernandes, but Tottenham’s guaranteed £85m offer lured the Portugal international away. Ederson was already signed in theory, but now his arrival is in doubt — while veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow is close to joining from Leeds.
If the Ederson deal collapses, it would be the latest setback in a difficult summer for a club desperate to strengthen before their Champions League return after a two-year absence.