The Manchester United fraternity has been in limbo for weeks now because their first signing, believed to have been completed over a month ago, has stalled. The club has not officially unveiled Éderson José dos Santos Lourenço da Silva, and the prolonged silence has left many wondering: did the deal stall, or what is happening?
Apparently, there is no cause for alarm, and Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano explained the delay in detail.
Everything Is Already Agreed
Romano has reaffirmed that the deal is still on and was fully agreed by both clubs and the player himself. The Red Devils will pay Atalanta €40.5 million plus €4.5 million in performance-related add-ons, taking the overall package to €45 million. It is also understood that United and Ederson also agreed on personal terms, although the terms have not been disclosed yet.
Ederson completed his medical in New York several weeks ago, and all the paperwork was prepared between the two clubs and the player. By all accounts, the transfer itself was no longer in the negotiation stage.
So, why is Manchester United still waiting?
Romano Explains the Ederson Delay
Manchester United fans have every reason to be worried now that they haven’t signed any player yet and there is an utmost need to do so. We have in the past seen deals stalling at the last minute. But as Romano explains on his YouTube channel, United will finally have their man; it is just a matter of time.
The delay has nothing to do with complications; it is purely procedural.
While Ederson completed his first medical in New York while at the ongoing World Cup, where he is representing Brazil, he needs to undergo a second and final medical examination in England before finalizing the deal. Until this second medical is completed, United cannot proceed with the official announcement.
Initially, the arrangements for the deal to be completed were in place, but the 27-year-old was lucky to get a late call-up from Ancelotti to join the squad after Roma full-back Wesley’s injury just before the start of the tournament. The impromptu international commitment prevented him from flying to England to complete the deal.
From this explanation, and of course the fact that Ederson himself pushed the deal to join United over other clubs, the folks at Old Trafford can remain calm, waiting for the big day. There has been no indication whatsoever from Romano or any other reliable sources that the transfer is in danger of collapsing.
Why Manchester United Wanted Ederson
The delay in the announcement of Ederson was a growing concern at Old Trafford, considering Manchester United’s urgent need to fix their midfield for the long haul. Ederson had been on United’s radar for over a year, and he is considered the missing piece in United’s midfield.
Manchester United has had a shaky midfield, and most of their solutions to the problem have been short-term.
They now need a fresh marquee midfielder who can be relied upon to deliver for the next few seasons, and Ederson has all the required qualities. He is versatile and can operate as a defensive midfielder as well as a box-to-box player, combining physicality, excellent ball progression, intelligent passing, pressing, and an impressive work rate.
Notably, United also have to get a replacement for Casemiro, who departed at the end of the season. Ugarte’s future is also in limbo, so something had to be done, and that’s why their first focus was on bringing in the Brazilian.
With that said, United fans can finally breathe. Regarding the probable announcement date, it all depends on the progression of Brazil in the World Cup and, of course, travel arrangements to England. Considering the World Cup is ending in a fortnight, the announcement is expected to be late this month or early in August.
