Manchester United’s midfield rebuild appears to be close to a decisive moment, but the club are not rushing into a major summer deal without taking extra care.
After another season where the middle of the pitch lacked consistency, United clearly need a player who can bring energy, defensive protection and better control in possession.
That is why this transfer situation is so interesting. On paper, a €45m deal looks like smart business for a proven Serie A midfielder entering his prime years.
But when medical checks become a key part of the story, United have to be patient.
A signing can look perfect tactically and financially, yet still carry risk if there are physical concerns that need further assessment.
Man Unite wait for medical clarity before decision
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Man United will carry out thorough medical examinations on Atalanta midfielder Ederson before deciding whether to proceed with a €45m deal.
Clarity is expected soon now that the World Cup has finished, giving United the chance to complete the checks and make a final call.
The situation has already been reported elsewhere. talkSPORT claimed United had agreed a package worth around £38.8m with Atalanta, with the Brazilian expected to sign a four-year contract plus the option of another year.
The report also stated that the move depends on medical checks being completed.
Is it a smart signing or a risky gamble?
There has also been concern over the reason for the delay. The Sun reported that United want a second medical examination in the UK after previous checks in the United States, although the deal was still described as being on track.
Man United are right to be cautious. Ederson looks like the kind of midfielder they need: strong, mobile, aggressive and comfortable playing in a high-intensity system.
At €45m, he is not cheap, but he is also not in the extreme price range of many elite midfield targets.
However, medical doubts should never be ignored. United have made costly transfer mistakes before, and rushing this deal just because it looks close would be poor planning.
Man United quoted £103m for midfield target under consideration by Carrick
Why so much problem with new recruitment for Manchester United ?????
Several targets have slipped through Manchester United’s grip and/or outfought by Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspurs.
Even confirmed one in Ederson now becomes a problem with doubts on his fitness issue.
So what is the real problem.??
If the club doesn’t look capable of closing down in targets fast enough.
If Sir Jim 🐀cliffe and the INEOS doesn’t turn things around first, it will be another case of lost causes even before the season opens.
It is right that United do a full medical themselves before purchasing players. We have made many mistakes in the past, with players that we signed with injuries. Fitness is very important in the Premiership and European football now, and we need a clear bill of health before signing players.
We have lost out on many midfielders this summer but I am very surprised that we haven’t went for the DM we need most, which is BALEBA. There should be no problems with this signing as long as we can agree fee with Brighton. Wilcox needs to wake up and go and get him.
why is man united delaying over new midfielders signing! they said they will be signing at least three DM but non has been deal done, now to finalise ederson deal they are saying they want to check his fitness. Ederson is fit, strong, good in winning balls so they need to do something fast to finalise that deal before next week.
It is only right that every precaution is taken over medicals, once a deal with a player and his club has been concluded.
The World Cup has held all teams back, as players can not be contacted to ascertain if they are prepared to play for United – i.e. Tchouameni. Also, Real Madrid had held things up, as they needed Mourinho through the door before a decision was made.
Ederson will be a good signing, alongside Santos, but United still need a major defensive midfielder to replace Casemiro and play beside Mainoo. Not sure I would want to rely on Baleba – poor 2025/26 season and his loss during AFCON could have ramifications for the squad.