Manchester United fans might need to sit down for this one because the club’s transfer business has produced one of the strangest injury-related plot twists of the summer. 😂💔
The proposed move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson reportedly collapsed after Manchester United became concerned about an issue discovered during his medical. United even requested additional medical checks before ultimately deciding not to proceed with the deal. Atalanta, meanwhile, maintained that the Brazilian was fully fit. (The Busby Babe)
And then came Carlos Baleba. 😭😂
Manchester United eventually completed a deal for the Brighton midfielder worth up to £70 million, with £65m guaranteed and a further £5m in potential add-ons. The 22-year-old signed a contract running until 2031, with an option for another year. (BBC Isle of Man)
But here is where United supporters are scratching their heads. 🤣
Baleba arrived at Old Trafford already carrying an ankle injury. The Cameroon international had suffered an ankle ligament problem during pre-season, meaning he was unavailable to make his Manchester United debut immediately after completing the transfer. (Sky Sports)
Michael Carrick later confirmed that Baleba could be sidelined for around three weeks, although the injury was not considered a major long-term concern. (Reuters)
So naturally, United fans are asking the obvious question:
If an injury was enough to make the club walk away from Ederson, how did an injured Baleba make it through the door? 😭😂
Of course, the situations may not be medically identical. A player being injured does not automatically mean he will fail a medical, and clubs can assess the severity, recovery timeline and long-term risk differently from one player to another.
But from a fan’s perspective, the optics are absolutely hilarious. 😂
One midfielder: “Medical concerns? Deal OFF!” 🚫
Another midfielder: “Currently injured? Welcome to Old Trafford!” 🤝😂
And United didn’t exactly sign Baleba for pocket change either. The midfielder became the third major addition to their midfield rebuild after Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, with the total investment in central midfielders reportedly reaching around £155 million. (The Times)
The irony becomes even greater because reports initially suggested Baleba’s injury had made his transfer more complicated. Yet United ultimately pushed ahead and got the deal done anyway. (Football365)
So while Ederson returned to Atalanta after the proposed move collapsed, Baleba is now a Manchester United player recovering from an injury and waiting for his first appearance.
Football is truly a funny game. 😂⚽
Ederson: Medical concerns → ❌ Transfer collapsed
Baleba: Injury → 💰 £65m guaranteed → ✅ Manchester United player
Manchester United fans: “Ladies and gentlemen… meet our club.” 😭😂🔴
And somehow, after all the drama, everyone is now waiting for one thing: Baleba to finally get fit and show exactly why United were willing to spend big on him. 👀🔥
