Inbound Manchester United summer signing Ederson has been handed a dramatic, late ticket to the 2026 World Cup. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that the midfielder has received an emergency call-up to Dorival Júnior’s squad following a devastating injury to full-back Wesley.
The 26-year-old Atalanta star was originally left heartbroken after being excluded from the Selecao’s final 26-man tournament squad, despite making the initial 55-man provisional list.
However, a left thigh muscle injury suffered by Roma’s Wesley during training has forced an immediate reshuffle, opening the door for the United-bound powerhouse.
Brazil announce Ederson call up
An official statement released by the CBF confirmed the squad change:
“The Brazilian Football Confederation reports that the athlete Wesley was re-evaluated this Sunday by the Brazilian National Team’s medical commission and underwent an imaging exam. The MRI scan revealed a muscle injury in the adductor muscle of the left thigh. Wesley is a beloved player within the group and will always be considered part of this team.”
Transfer announcement delayed?
Old Trafford chiefs successfully brokered a full agreement with Atalanta last week for a package worth around £38 million (€45m including add-ons). Personal terms on a four-year contract (with an option for a fifth year) have been agreed.
While the transfer remains entirely rock-solid and done on paper, Ederson flying directly out to link up with the Brazil squad means final medical tests and official media obligations at Carrington could face a slight delay until his World Cup campaign concludes.
Why Michael Carrick wanted him
With Casemiro having departed the club and Manuel Ugarte facing an uncertain future, United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, moved swiftly to secure Europe’s most dynamic engine room enforcer.
Ederson is coming off an exceptional season in Serie A, combining relentless defensive intensity with a high tactical IQ that will perfectly anchor United’s midfield for their upcoming Champions League campaign. Seeing how he fares on football’s grandest international stage will provide United fans with the perfect sneak peek of what is to come at Old Trafford next season.
