Manchester United’s New Signing Ederson Joins Brazil’s World Cup Squad
Manchester United has completed a £35 million deal to sign midfielder Ederson from Atalanta, with the player set to join the club this summer. The three-cap Brazil international was with the Serie A club since 2022 and is now heading to the World Cup after a last-minute call-up to the Brazilian squad.
Initially, Ederson was not included in Carlo Ancelotti’s initial squad for the tournament, but he has been drafted in due to an injury. Roma right-back Wesley started in the friendly win over Egypt on Saturday but was forced off after just 16 minutes. It has been confirmed that he suffered a muscular injury that will keep him out of the World Cup, leading to Ederson’s inclusion in the squad.
A statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) read: “The Brazilian Football Confederation informs that player Wesley was reevaluated this Sunday by the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff and underwent imaging tests. The MRI confirmed a muscle injury to the adductor muscle of the left thigh. CBF regrets the injury. Wesley is a player who is well liked by the group and will always be considered part of this team seeking its sixth world title. In light of the diagnosis, CBF announces the call-up of player Ederson, who will join the delegation as early as this Monday in the United States.”
Wesley was set to be the starting right-back for Brazil this summer, but Ancelotti has opted to bring in a central midfielder in his place. This leaves the likely option at right-back being former Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Juventus man Danilo, who replaced Wesley against Egypt. The 34-year-old has won 69 caps for his country and is now playing for Flamengo, moving there from Juve last year.
Another option on the right side of defence is former Roma defender Roger Ibanez, who is now playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli. Bruno Guimaraes and Endrick scored the goals in a 2-1 win over Egypt on Saturday in Cleveland.
Their World Cup campaign starts on Saturday June 13 against Morocco, before clashes with Haiti and Scotland in Group C. After the win over Egypt, Ancelotti said: “I think the team played well, played with intensity, with rhythm, with good organisation, a lot of intensity in the pressing. This game gave me much more certainty for the debut against Morocco. We’ve reached this final week and I think the team is on the right track.”
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