Manchester United's Ederson Transfer Delayed by World Cup Call-Up

Manchester United’s move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson is set to drag into the summer after the Brazilian earned a late call-up to the 2026 World Cup.

The 26-year-old has been drafted into Brazil’s squad for the tournament in North America, promoted from the standby list after Roma right-back Wesley withdrew through injury. Ederson had been left out of the original selection, but the reshuffle has handed him a major international stage at a crucial moment in his club career.

United have already struck an agreement with Atalanta for an initial £35m fee, lining up the defensive midfielder as the first signing of Michael Carrick’s permanent reign. The deal follows Casemiro’s exit from Old Trafford and underlines the club’s determination to rebuild the spine of their midfield around fresher legs and greater mobility.

The timing, though, is far from ideal for Carrick. United want the transfer wrapped up as soon as possible, yet any unveiling will now be followed by a wait. Ederson will not report for pre-season until after Brazil’s World Cup campaign ends, denying his new manager valuable weeks on the training ground with a key recruit.

For Ederson, it is a sudden return to the international scene. He has three caps for the Selecao but has not featured for his country since 2025. Now he heads to the biggest tournament of all, with the chance to turn a solid reputation in Serie A into something far larger under the glare of a global audience.

United already have 12 players heading to the 2026 World Cup. Once the Ederson signing is confirmed, as expected, that contingent will rise to 13 — a reminder of the club’s enduring pull, and of the risk and reward that come with building a new team around football’s most demanding stage.