Ederson Deal Done, But Manchester United Still Waiting on Final Medical

Manchester United's long-awaited midfield reinforcement is locked in, but the Red Devils are yet to put pen to paper officially – and transfer correspondent Fabrizio Romano has explained precisely why.

The search for fresh faces in central midfield has dominated the Old Trafford agenda this summer. Targets including Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, and Elliot Anderson have all slipped through the club's grasp, with prohibitive transfer fees cited as the stumbling block in each instance. Romano suggests the hunt will now turn towards Alex Scott and Aurelien Tchouameni, though both represent formidable challenges.

The first arrival to materialise, at least on paper, is Ederson from Serie A outfit Atalanta. The clubs shook hands on a deal valued at €45 million – comprising €40.5 million upfront with a further €4.5 million in performance-related add-ons – approximately a month prior.

Personal terms have been thrashed out and Ederson has already navigated the initial stages of his medical in New York. The Brazilian himself has hinted at the impending switch, telling assembled media during international duty: "Certainly, everything is almost done, but now I have to enjoy this moment. This is a wonderful experience and you have to enjoy the most."

Yet here we are in July, and still not a peep from the club's official channels.

Romano's latest update clarifies the holdup. United and Atalanta have struck a verbal agreement, with the paperwork essentially ready to roll. What's holding matters up is the requirement for Ederson to complete the second phase of his medical – the formal examination on English soil – before everything gets rubber-stamped.

"They have a verbal agreement with Atalanta," Romano explained on his YouTube platform. "The two clubs have had an agreement for one month now. But they're waiting for Ederson to have the second part of his medical with Manchester United in England before approving everything. 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."

The timing complication stems from Ederson's late addition to Brazil's squad. He wasn't initially selected by Carlo Ancelotti but received a call-up after Roma's Wesley Franca picked up an injury and withdrew from the tournament on the eve of proceedings.

Rest assured, though – Ederson will don the red shirt. United simply need to wait for Brazil's campaign to conclude before making it all official.