Manchester United's Ederson Deal Faces Uncertainty After Second Medical Required

Manchester United's pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson has encountered significant complications, with the club now demanding a second medical examination in England before finalizing the deal. The transfer, valued at approximately €45 million plus add-ons, remains unconfirmed following health screening concerns that have cast doubt on the move's completion.

Initial Agreement and Medical Complications

United and Atalanta reached a comprehensive agreement on the transfer package in June, with terms including a €45 million base fee. Ederson underwent his first medical during the World Cup in New York, with reports at that time suggesting the deal was effectively complete. However, the club's medical department has now mandated additional screening using its own staff and facilities in England before giving final approval.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development, noting that while all parties had reached verbal agreement and the player was set to undergo screening in England, the deal cannot be formally concluded until the second medical is cleared. The midfielder is expected to sign a four-year contract upon successful completion of health checks.

Transfer Strategy and Alternative Targets

Manager Michael Carrick sought multiple midfield reinforcements following United's third-place Premier League finish. The club had targeted Belgian midfielder Sandro Tonali and Portuguese prospect Mateus Fernandes, but both players chose to join Tottenham instead, with Roberto De Zerbi securing both signings for a combined £185 million.

United's hierarchy, led by INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has adopted a cautious approach to transfer spending, refusing to engage in prolonged bidding wars. Should the Ederson deal collapse, the club has identified Chelsea's Andrey Santos, Bournemouth's Alex Scott, and Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni as alternative midfield options. Santos has reportedly passed his own medical and is expected to be confirmed as United's first summer signing.