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Manchester United were poised to seal the signing of Brazilian midfielder Ederson this week following a deal agreed with Atalanta last month. However, new reports suggest the move has now hit an unexpected snag.

The 27-year-old, who hails from São Paulo, has long been on United’s radar, attracting consistent interest from Old Trafford over recent years. Still, Atalanta’s steep valuation – reportedly reaching £70 million last summer – had previously halted progress, even though Ederson was highly regarded by the Red Devils’ recruitment team.

With his contract set to expire next year, Atalanta – nicknamed La Dea – have softened their stance, lowering their demands to ensure they receive a reasonable fee rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Initially, Atletico Madrid were seen as the frontrunners, with manager Diego Simeone convinced that Ederson’s energetic, combative style would fit perfectly within Los Colchoneros’ system. However, Manchester United saw an opportunity to swoop in for the Brazilian, launching a late move that quickly gained Ederson’s personal approval, as he made clear his wish to join the Premier League side.

After a series of discussions involving INEOS and Atalanta officials in Bergamo, both parties reached a £35 million agreement, with an additional £3.8 million in potential add-ons, at the start of June. The plan was for Ederson to travel to Manchester for a medical before finalising the transfer.

However, a setback emerged when Brazilian right-back Wesley sustained an injury, prompting Carlo Ancelotti to include Ederson in Brazil’s World Cup squad as a last-minute replacement. This development postponed the transfer until the conclusion of Brazil’s campaign in North America, which ended on Sunday evening after their match against Norway. Following the tournament, Ederson was expected to undergo a new medical and complete his move to Old Trafford.

Yet, in a surprising development, Manchester United reportedly want to “conduct a thorough” medical assessment before confirming the deal. What once looked like a certainty has now become uncertain, with growing doubts surrounding the transfer.

The tension heightened when ESPN Brazil journalist Felipe Silva reported that the deal is currently “stalled”, coinciding with news that United have submitted a £50 million bid for another Brazilian midfielder, Andrey Santos.

Chelsea have accepted United’s bid, and the 22-year-old – who shares a similar playing profile to Ederson – is expected to complete his medical at Old Trafford tomorrow. Internal sources suggest that United’s management views the Santos deal as a significant win, considering his potential and the belief among many in Brazil that he could eventually succeed Casemiro.

This development raises fresh questions about whether United will honour their agreement with Atalanta for Ederson. Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that United seek certain “guarantees before signing off [on] the deal with Atalanta.”

“Éderson second part of medical will take place this week in England: Man United want guarantees before signing off the deal with Atalanta. All set for €45m since one month ago but waiting on extra medical check next,” Romano stated.

Should Manchester United pivot from Ederson to Santos at this late stage, it would be a harsh but potentially pragmatic decision. Nonetheless, The Peoples Person notes that confirmation from more reliable sources is advisable before concluding that the Ederson deal has indeed stalled. Still, Romano’s claim that INEOS is pressing for additional “guarantees” before final approval suggests there may be further twists ahead in this transfer saga.