Man Utd medical ‘today’ as first Carrick signing imminent and ‘active talks’ taking place for second

The Financials of the Ederson Transfer

The agreement between Manchester United and Atalanta values Ederson at £35 million upfront, which Crypto Briefing reports is roughly €40.5 million. The deal includes an additional £4 million in performance-related add-ons, potentially bringing the total cost to £39 million.

While the English club’s figures center on the £35 million mark, other reports suggest a higher valuation. Italian newspaper Corriere Dello Sport characterizes the move as a hugely significant deal valued at €45 million, noting that United sealed the agreement nearly a month ago to beat out Atletico Madrid.

The Brazilian midfielder, born July 7, 1999, currently has a contract with Atalanta that runs through June 2027. Because he is entering the final year of his contract, United was able to negotiate a fee that avoids the premium associated with long-term deals. United expects the final transfer completion by early July 2026. The proposed contract at Old Trafford is a four-year deal with an option for a fifth year, which could keep the player in Manchester until 2030.

Logistics of the New York Medical

The decision to conduct the medical in New York is a logistical necessity. Ederson was recently called up to the Brazil national team by Carlo Ancelotti to replace the injured Roma star Wesley. This call-up placed the midfielder in the United States for the 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to TeamTalk, the medical is scheduled to take place on Sunday following Brazil’s match against Morocco. By arranging the examinations in New York, United avoided flying the player back to Manchester during his international duty, ensuring he remains available for the Brazilian national team while the club completes its due diligence.

Medical examinations are a standard requirement in professional football transfers, involving rigorous cardiovascular tests, orthopedic screenings, and blood work to ensure the player is fit for the duration of the proposed contract. Once these results are verified, the final paperwork can be submitted to the relevant football associations for registration.

Michael Carrick’s Midfield Strategy

As the first acquisition for head coach Michael Carrick, Ederson signals a shift toward a high-pressing system. This approach mirrors the aggressive tactics deployed by Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta, whose system is renowned in Serie A for its high-intensity man-marking and rapid transitions. The signing prioritizes physicality and progressive passing, adding a player who recorded 16 goals in 180 games for the Serie A side in all competitions.

The price point of the deal is a key component of United’s broader recruitment strategy, particularly as the club balances squad depth with financial sustainability.

“I think it makes sense from a Manchester United point of view. We can’t buy three or four £75m-£80m midfielders and we need at least three midfielders so you would expect one of them to be less than £40m or around £40m which this lad is.”
— Jay Motty, via BBC

Motty further noted that because Ederson is out of contract in a year’s time, the fee was unlikely to rise. While he cautioned that Ederson should not be the club’s only midfield signing, the move provides a solid foundation for Carrick’s tactical rebuild, offering a profile that can disrupt opposition play and drive the ball forward from deep positions.

The Pursuit of Newcastle’s Lewis Hall

Manchester United is not stopping with the midfield. The club is actively seeking left-sided reinforcements, specifically a new full-back and winger, to provide more balance and width to Carrick’s formation.

Newcastle defender Lewis Hall has emerged as a primary target. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported via Football365 that United has kept the contacts alive and active with those close to the player. Romano indicated that the club made initial contact several weeks ago and maintains a genuine interest in the left-back.

The recruitment plan suggests a multi-pronged approach to the squad’s weaknesses:

• Midfield: Ederson is confirmed, but the club is expected to sign at least one more midfielder, and potentially two, to ensure coverage across the pivot and number eight roles.
• Defense: Lewis Hall is a preferred option to cover the left-back position, offering versatility that could allow him to move further up the pitch as a wing-back.
• Attack: A left-winger remains a priority target to complement the existing forward line.
• Contingencies: Reports suggest the club may attempt to stretch the budget for a center-back or a striker if opportunities arise before the window closes.

The immediate focus remains the finalization of Ederson’s signatures following the New York medical. Once the Brazilian is secured, the club is expected to accelerate talks for the remaining positions on Carrick’s priority list before the start of the new campaign.