Ederson's hidden risk exposed! Manchester United to determine medical results this week; if transfer falls through, they may pursue a World Cup midfield anchor

The 27-year-old Brazilian holding midfielder Ederson has reached Manchester to complete a comprehensive medical for Manchester United. He was already examined in New York, USA, during the World Cup, but problems apparently surfaced, prompting the club to bring him to Carrington for additional testing.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated: "Ederson will undergo medical tests in the UK this week for Manchester United. After the initial check in the US, United wanted their own medical staff in England to conduct more thorough examinations. Currently, the deal is not yet announced."

Romano described the transfer as being in a pending state: "Has United already completed the signing? Not at this stage. We must be cautious because Ederson still needs to undergo a medical in the UK. United will communicate the results with Atalanta and the player. So we need to stay cautious and wait for the medical outcome."

However, Romano stated that regardless of the outcome, a decision on Ederson's transfer will be reached this week. "The conclusion of Ederson's medical will come this week, and United will give their final answer. He underwent part of the medical yesterday, with another part remaining. Then Atalanta and the player will learn whether the €45 million transfer, agreed in June, can proceed."

One claim is that Ederson has no physical injury, but what could derail the transfer? The biggest concern is his meniscus injury in the knee. Ederson suffered a meniscus issue early in the 2025/26 season—from late August to late September last year—missing several matches over about a month.

The meniscus is located inside the knee joint, between the femur and tibia, with medial and lateral parts. Their shape and position help provide stability and reduce joint stress. Together with ligaments, muscles, and other structures, the meniscus contributes to normal knee movement and function. Therefore, meniscus problems in a player are a major worry for professional clubs, as they may indicate long-term knee issues—especially under the high-intensity schedule and physical demands of the Premier League, which could exacerbate the problem.

Thus, Manchester United's medical team will thoroughly examine Ederson's knee, looking for any residual weakness, scar tissue, or future risks. This is likely why they insisted on a second comprehensive medical in England after the initial check during the World Cup in the US.

Ederson is now at Carrington undergoing his second—and more thorough—medical with United. This is the final hurdle, and it is by no means a formality. Another Italian expert, Di Marzio, claims that Ederson will complete all medical tests on Friday, after which the team doctors will give their ultimate verdict on whether he can be signed.

Another transfer expert, Ben Jacobs, says that if Ederson's move falls through, United could consider signing French defensive midfielder Manu Kone from another Serie A side, Roma. During this World Cup, Kone served as a backup to Real Madrid star Aurélien Tchouaméni, starting alongside Rabiot in the two games Tchouaméni missed due to injury, and performed reasonably well.

Graeme Bailey from TEAMtalk also says United are interested in Kone, and the player himself wants to play in the Premier League. The 25-year-old Kone boasts excellent athletic ability and technical skill. He made 37 appearances for Roma last season, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists. Roma have qualified for the Champions League, but are willing to sell at a reasonable price—Kone has a £50 million price tag.

When Kone joined Roma from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2024, the transfer fee was only £20 million. In just one year, his value has increased by 150%, which the "Giallorossi" consider a good deal. Intermediaries have been in contact with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool to explore potential destinations. During discussions, these clubs were told that Kone himself is very keen to move to England if the right opportunity arises.

As of now, no more authoritative sources have confirmed United's interest in Kone; the transfer experts mentioning him are more speculative than reliable. Who will be United's next midfield signing? It may take more time before we find out.