The deadline to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft always has some drama. While several players made their intentions known well before Wednesday’s 11:59 p.m. ET deadline, others kept fans, coaches and NBA teams in suspense. Just over 25 minutes after the deadline passed, it was reported that Tounde Yessoufou was not only withdrawing from the NBA Draft but had also committed to St. John’s.

Yessoufou, a former five-star recruit, had a standout freshman season at Baylor but was considered a fringe first-round pick. Instead, he will take his talents to the Big East after averaging 17.8 points per game last season.

Arizona star forward Koa Peat was arguably the biggest name entering the week who hadn’t officially made a decision. Despite struggling to find his shot at the NBA Draft Combine earlier this month, Peat will stay in the draft, where he projects as a mid-to-late first-round pick. With Peat off to the NBA, Arizona is now on the clock to find his replacement.

Several players elected to withdraw from the draft and return to school, including Arkansas‘ Billy Richmond III, Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner and Alabama’s Amari Allen. Iowa State star Milan Momcilovic elected to return to college basketball but will be looking for a new home after entering the transfer portal last month.

Momcilovic will be the biggest free agent available on the open market. Kentucky, Louisville, Arizona, St. John’s, and almost any other school in need of shooting and star power will be interested in the best 3-point shooter in college basketball. Arizona is a logical fit for Momcilovic after Peat elected to stay in the NBA Draft.

Milan Momcilovic withdraws from NBA Draft: Kentucky, Louisville, Arizona pursuing Iowa State star

Isaac Trotter

Advertisement

The byproduct of NIL being such an integral component of college athletics is that the draft is thinning out on Day 2. Expect senior and International players to make up a majority of the picks in the second round this year and moving forward. 

Here are the biggest winners and losers for the deadline for players to make their NBA Draft decisions.

Winner: St. John’s makes a stunning addition after the deadline

The biggest winner of Wednesday (well, technically Thursday) has to be St. John’s. Shortly after the deadline passed, it was reported that Yessoufou had committed to play for St. John’s. Yessoufou was the No. 5-ranked player in the 247Sports transfer rankings and would’ve been one of the best players available in the transfer portal had he gone through the process after withdrawing. Yessoufou was likely going to be a late first-round pick, so coming back to school was viewed as the best option. Now, he has a chance to improve his stock ahead of the 2027 NBA Draft.

Winner: Retention is king for Duke, Illinois and Florida

The three biggest winners on the retention front this offseason have been Florida, Illinois and Duke. The Blue Devils have one of the deepest rosters in the sport after bringing back Cayden Boozer, Caleb Foster and Dame Sarr while also adding one of the best players available in the transfer portal: John Blackwell. Illinois is returning Andrej Stojaković, Jake Davis, Tomislav Ivišić, Zvonimir Ivišić and David Mirkovic after reaching the Final Four for the first time in 21 years.

But the biggest winner of the deadline was Florida. Reigning Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, Rueben Chinyelu, was the final piece of the puzzle for what has been a very good offseason on the retention front for Florida coach Todd Golden. Chinyelu, Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, Boogie Fland and Urban Klavzar will all be back for the 2026-27 season. If the preseason poll were conducted this week, Florida would likely be the No. 1 team. The frontcourt of Chinyelu, Haugh and Condon is the best in the sport.

Loser: Koa Peat stays in the draft despite shooting question woes

It’s no secret that the most seismic decision of the stay-or-go cycle was Peat. After having a solid freshman season at Arizona, his draft stock has slipped a bit after a lackluster shooting performance at the combine earlier this month. It’s not just the lack of shots going in that is cause for concern, but how Peat has appeared to alter his shot mechanics entirely. Peat is a bully-ball forward who shot 53.6% on 2-pointers, but the biggest knock on his game during his one-and-done season at Arizona was the shooting from outside of the paint. I still think Peat will be a first-round pick next month, but his stock is more of a mixed bag. He is the player who would’ve benefited the most from another season of college basketball, but you can’t knock someone wanting to take the next step.

Winner: Kentucky gets a reinforcement back

Kentucky’s offseason under coach Mark Pope has been under a microscope. Pope has had some well-documented misses this offseason, including Robert Wright III, Donnie Freeman and Tyran Stokes, the No. 1-ranked player in the 2026 recruiting class. Kentucky did pivot by landing Alex Wilkins and Zoom Diallo, but it was evident Pope needed a retention win. And that’s exactly what happened when Malachi Moreno withdrew from the NBA Draft days before the deadline. Moreno showed the most potential of anybody from Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class after averaging 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. Moreno is a breakout candidate for next season and should have an expanded role. Keep an eye on him for the 2027 NBA Draft.

What Malachi Moreno’s return means for Kentucky: Key starting big man anchors Wildcats’ roster overhaul

Advertisement

Brad Crawford

Loser: NBA teams picking in the second round

The theme of the NBA Draft in recent years has been the second round becoming more of an afterthought, with it being primarily made up of those without eligibility and International players. Most of that is due to NIL. If a player has the option of making seven figures by playing another season of college basketball or grinding through the G League as a second-round pick, it’s easy to see why the former is more enticing. It’s also notable that the second round of the NBA Draft is different from the second round of the NFL Draft. You routinely see agents work their magic to get players to preferred destinations in the second round, where a guaranteed contract is on the table. Or, you could see someone go undrafted and get a better deal as an UDFA than going to a random destination in the second round.

Winner: All-American guards return

There will be two players who earned CBS Sports All-American honors returning to college basketball this season. That would be Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner and Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears Jr., who both passed on staying in the draft. Tanner projects as an SEC Player of the Year candidate after a breakout season with Vanderbilt. Meanwhile, Fears will look to add to his career assist total after leading the nation (9.4) in assists per game. Retaining that talent should be viewed as a massive win for Michigan State and Vanderbilt.

Winner: Alabama does it again right before deadline

Last year, Alabama was an unexpected winner of the withdrawal deadline after Labaron Philon decided to return to school at the 11th hour. Amari Allen’s decision to return for his sophomore season at Alabama wasn’t as dramatic, but it should prove to be just as impactful. Allen was a projected late first-round pick if he stayed in the draft. However, after measuring a few inches shorter than his listed 6-foot-8 height at the NBA Draft Combine, a return to school seemed inevitable. Allen should benefit from more on-ball reps this season and is a name to know for next year’s draft.

Loser: Anyone who thought the transfer portal cycle was over

The transfer portal might have closed over a month ago, but it’s going to heat up now that the deadline has passed. Momcilovic will be the biggest name available because you can never have enough shooting. Momcilovic’s combination of star power and shooting will make him one of the highest-paid players in the sport. Buckle up.

Winner: Lottery teams in the 2027 NBA Draft

There has been a lot of talk about the 2027 NBA Draft. I’m not here to sell it as a great class because it’s probably on the same level as the 2024 NBA Draft, which isn’t a compliment. However, with so many returners in college basketball, there is a greater chance we will see players improve their all-around game and make next year’s draft better than 2024. 

Haugh is someone I had a top-15 grade on heading into the offseason. I thought Haugh would almost certainly declare for the draft because he is the ultimate Swiss Army Knife. The same can be said about UConn‘s Braylon Mullins, who would’ve been a top 25 pick if he stayed in the draft. Those are the two names I’m watching for next summer. If I had to guess who ends up being a top 10 pick from this year’s group of returners, it would be Haugh and Mullins. Another name to keep an eye on is USC‘s Alijah Arenas. He had a limited freshman season due to a knee injury. Arenas is someone who can crack the lottery next summer if everything goes well at USC.

Who’s staying and who’s going back to school?

Notable decisions from players deciding to stay in the NBA Draft or return to play college basketball next season.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup brings an expanded format featuring 12 groups, 48 teams, and 72 group-stage matches, setting the stage for one of the most diverse and dramatic tournaments in history. Hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the competition promises heavyweight clashes, debut stories, and potential upsets across all groups.

Having said that, with multiple groups expected to witness a proper fight for the top 2 places, here are the predictions for the group winners and runner-ups this year.

Group A: Mexico to lead the home charge

Teams: Mexico, South Korea, Czechia and South Africa

Mexico enter the tournament with the advantage of home support as one of the host nations. Despite inconsistent form, El Tri are expected to edge out South Korea and Czechia in a competitive group. South Africa could play the spoiler role, but Mexico’s familiarity with conditions gives them the upper hand.

Group B: Switzerland’s experience to prevail

Teams: Switzerland, Canada, Qatar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Group B looks balanced but slightly weaker on paper. Switzerland’s tournament experience and tactical discipline make them favourites to finish top. Canada, Qatar, and Bosnia & Herzegovina will compete closely, but Switzerland’s depth should see them through.

 Group C: Brazil expected to dominate

Teams: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti

Brazil are once again among the favourites and should comfortably top Group C. Morocco, however, could push them hard after their impressive recent rise. Scotland and Haiti are likely to struggle against the top two.

Group D: USA tipped to deliver at home

Teams: USA, Turkey, Australia, Paraguay

The United States, boosted by home advantage and expectations, are strong contenders to win Group D. Türkiye could be their biggest challenger, while Australia and Paraguay add unpredictability but lack consistency at this level.

Group E: Germany to steady the ship

Teams: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao

Germany have struggled in recent tournaments but remain strong enough to top Group E. Ecuador may challenge, but Côte d’Ivoire and debutants Curaçao are expected to find the going tough.

Group F: Tight battle led by Netherlands

Teams: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia

Group G: Belgium to edge Egypt challenge

Belgium’s so-called “golden generation” may have faded, but they still possess enough quality to top Group G. Egypt is their closest rival, while Iran and New Zealand are expected to struggle against stronger opposition.

Group H: Spain and Uruguay headline battle

Teams: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde

Spain are favourites to win Group H, but Uruguay under Marcelo Bielsa provide a serious challenge. Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde will look to compete but are unlikely to match the European and South American giants. However, with Saudi Arabia’s upset over defending champions Argentina last time, anything is possible with the team.

Group I: France in toughest group

Teams: France, Senegal, Norway, Iran

Group I is arguably the toughest group of the tournament. France lead the pack but face stiff competition from Senegal and Norway. Erling Haaland’s Norway had a decent qualifying campaign and could be the surprise package in this World Cup. Iraq are expected to be outmatched, making this a three-way battle at the top.

Group J: Argentina set for smooth passage

Teams: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan

Defending champions Argentina should comfortably top Group J. Austria and Algeria will battle for second place, while Jordan face a tough debut campaign at the World Cup.

Group K: Portugal vs Colombia showdown

Teams: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo

Group K is one of the most unpredictable. Portugal and Colombia are expected to fight for first place, with their head-to-head likely deciding the group winner. Uzbekistan and DR Congo could spring occasional surprises but are outsiders and most likely be the bottom two teams in the group.

Group L: England vs Croatia for top spot

Teams: England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana

England and Croatia headline Group L in a repeat of their historic rivalry. England are slight favourites under Thomas Tuchel, but Croatia’s experience ensures a tight race for first place. Panama and Ghana will fight for respect and knockout hopes.

RR vs SRH Qualifier 2: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shines as Rajasthan beats Hyderabad in Indian Premier League eliminator. (photo/AP)

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took to social media and posted a three-word message on his instagram account following his match-winning heroics in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday.The left-hander put on a brilliant display of six-hitting and scored 97 runs off just 29 deliveries. However, he narrowly missed out on Chris Gayle’s long-standing IPL record of the fastest century in the league – which still stands at 30 deliveries.After the match, the Rajasthan Royals opener posted pictures from his match-winning knock on his instagram with the caption, ‘hungry for more’.Sooryavanshi smashed five boundaries and 12 sixes during his astonishing innings with a strike rate of 334.48. With the help of his innings, RR posted a mammoth score of 243 for 8 before bundling out Hyderabad for 196 runs to secure a 47-run victory, and place in Qualifier 2.Royals will now face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 for a spot in the final against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Sooryavanshi’s whirlwind knock drew praise and awe in equal measure from every corner.“What a phenomenal player Vaibhav is. Great entertainment young man! The IPL has a new six machine,” post former RCB star Chris Gayle on X. Incidentally, the teen sensation broke Gayle’s long standing record of most sixes in a single season during his brutal assault vs SRH yesterday.Sooryavanshi now has 65 sixes surpassing the tally of 59, held by Gayle for more than a decade.Praising Sooryavanshi’s maturity and calmness, AB de Villiers told Jiostar in the post-game show: “What stood out most about Vaibhav’s innings was his composure and clarity under pressure at just 15 years of age. Pat Cummins and SRH kept trying different plans, but he stayed completely locked into his own bubble throughout the innings. That level of game awareness in a knockout match is remarkable for someone so young.“With 680 runs, striking at 242.86, the current Orange Cap holder will be hoping to take his team to the final for the first time since 2022, with yet another impactful knock in the upcoming Qualifier 2 match against GT.

Man Utd are preparing to make Atalanta midfielder Ederson their first signing of the 2026 summer transfer window.

Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal to make Atalanta midfielder Ederson their first signing of the summer transfer window. United have been in talks to sign Ederson in a transfer worth around £38million.

United have planned to overhaul the midfield, but signing Ederson is not set to alter the club’s plan to sign a marquee Casemiro replacement.

Ederson played in his homeland of Brazil until 2022 before a move to Italian club Salernitana. After six months with Salernitana he signed for Atalanta, where he has made 180 appearances.

Click here to find out the latest Manchester United news in our daily newsletter

In 2023/24, Ederson won the Europa League with Atalanta, starting in the final as the Italian side won 3-0 against Bayer Leverkusen.

Ederson was rewarded with his first call-up to Brazil’s national team in May 2024, but he has not been selected by manager Carlo Ancelotti to represent his nation at this summer’s World Cup.

The 26-year-old can play as a deep-lying midfielder or as a No.8, and he has built a reputation in Italy for his running power, averaging 10.6km per game in the Champions League this season.

United moved quickly to make Matheus Cunha their first signing of the summer window last year, announcing the deal on the first day of June, and Ederson is set to be the first new face through the door this summer.

The Reds are expected to focus on signing a replacement for Casemiro once Ederson’s transfer is completed, with Elliot Anderson sitting at the top of United’s midfielder shortlist.

Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira has admitted Anderson could be sold, but United are set to face stiff competition for his signature from Manchester City, who are thought to be in pole position.

Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni is seen as a dream midfield signing at Old Trafford, while United are monitoring the situations of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.

Marcus Rashford’s future is up in the air following an impressive loan spell with Barcelona and the Man United star is set for imminent talks

Arsenal and Tottenham have both reportedly held talks over a potential swoop for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford after an outstanding loan spell at Barcelona.

The Spanish giants have a £26m option-to-buy the England international permanently, but are keen to bring in another striker as well.

Hansi Flick’s squad would favour another loan deal for Rashford, giving them financial flexibility to pursue another forward, with Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon close to joining Barcelona.

However, United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is understood to be keen on a permanent departure of the England international in an attempt to reduce the club wage bill.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United and Rashford are due to hold discussions about his future this week, with the England star seeking clarity ahead of the World Cup.

Rashford caught the eye with 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona, and he’s expressed his ambition to make the switch to the Nou Camp permanent.

Aston Villa have also reportedly explored signing Rashford this summer, following his impressive loan stint at Villa Park towards the end of last season. Barcelona are keen on Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, but the Blues have no intention of parting with the Brazilian.

Arsenal are believed to be looking for a winger this summer, as they aim to strengthen their attacking options after securing the Premier League title.

However, Arsenal are likely to need to sell several first-team players, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri and Ben White all being linked with departures from the Emirates Stadium.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are looking to strengthen their squad following a season in which they only narrowly avoided the drop on the final day.

Discussing his transfer plans for the summer, De Zerbi said: “Listen, we have a great relationship with Johan and Vinai and the whole board. I have no doubt, but it’s right because I came to start a new plan, a new project, and the plan was not in Sunderland.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

“It was after Everton, staying in the Premier League. My target was very clear at the beginning. I gave all my best. I pushed to arrive at today. From today, we have to start to work.

“Look, my target when I came was today, to arrive today, after the last game and planning the next Premier League. I’m sure we have not to change too many players. It’s not right. It’s not right because we are lucky to have a lot of good players, a lot of good guys.

“I think we have to complete the squad in the best way, with the first level of players, with the right behaviour of the players, because now the qualities of the players are important, but more important is the spirit, the mentality of these players – and now the job starts.”

When I first began my NFL front office career back in the days of Bud Grant, Fran Tarkenton, and the Purple People Eaters, the only players I saw in the offseason were the new draft picks for a two-day rookie camp. I didn’t meet vets such as Tarkenton until the first day of training camp at Mankato State University in late July.

There were no OTAs or mandatory minicamps. Not even an organized team offseason strength-and-conditioning program for the veterans.

Times certainly have changed as the salaries for NFL players and coaches have skyrocketed compared to several decades ago. Only star players earned six-figure salaries back then, and many players had other jobs in the offseason to supplement their income.

Minnesota’s Spring Workouts Could Tweak Multiple Position Groups

Today, with the minimum salary at $885,000 and the average salary over $3 million, players know they must be present and work hard to improve their craft and understanding of the playbook via the team’s offseason program, or they risk falling behind other players they may be competing with and other teams around the league.

Thus, OTAs and minicamps have taken on an important role in player/team development leading into training camp, which is expected to open the last week in July.

Here are the things I’ll be paying the most attention to during the 10 scheduled OTA sessions that wrap up the week of June 15, as well as the June 9-11 minicamp.

Quarterbacks

We can expect to hear Kevin O’Connell praising all four QBs in his media sessions—Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. O’Connell will say Murray is working hard and doing a great job picking up the system. He’ll say McCarthy looks stronger and has a great grasp of the offense, and Wentz has recovered from his shoulder surgery and brings vet savvy to the QB room. And that Brosmer is a talented work in progress.

What O’Connell won’t say in May or June—and probably not until mid-August–is who his starting QB will be on September 13 when the Packers come to town for the regular season opener. He’ll continue to say it’s an “open competition,” which is what he should be saying at this early juncture.

We can speculate who the coaches are looking to start (almost certainly Murray if he stays healthy) based on who is taking the first reps with the other offensive starters at minicamp practices.

The opening couple of series in the first preseason game at the Giants on August 15 may tell us more. And certainly the August 19-20 joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens at the Vikings’ TCO facility should clinch it if O’Connell hasn’t officially announced his choice by then.

As for OTAs this week and next week before minicamp, both Murray and McCarthy should get an equal number of reps with the starting offensive line, top wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings, No. 1 tight end T.J. Hockenson, and the RB combo of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason.

Wentz and Brosmer most likely will be throwing to the non-starters (and I want to see sixth-round running back Demond Claiborne flash his 4.37 speed out of the backfield this offseason or certainly in training camp and preseason games, and see if last year’s third-rounder Tai Felton can take a big step forward at wide receiver after a non-productive rookie season).

Defensive Line and Edge Rushers

Will first-rounder Caleb Banks participate at all in team drills before training camp as he continues his recovery from foot surgery? Almost certainly not, according to the intel we’ve heard. He is participating in classroom work and mental reps—perhaps in some walkthroughs—but he is not expected to hit the field until the start of training camp, which gives him two more months of rehab.

We know Jalen Redmond will start on the D-line, and Banks is a likely starter if he’s healthy and quickly gets up to speed in training camp. It will be interesting to see if there are any clues in OTAs and minicamp about who has a leg up for the other starting spot among returnees Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and Levi Drake Rodriguez, and third-round DT Domonique Orange.

The reality is that the best defensive lines have an effective rotation, and that’s surely what DC Brian Flores is hoping for from this young group, which could become a team strength.

I’m intrigued by what the coaches do with second-round LB Jake Golday, who played defensive end and inside linebacker in college. I was opposed to trading a proven edge rusher in Jonathan Greenard unless the team did not believe he could stay healthy after his shoulder issues last season. Andrew Van Ginkel is a terrific player, but he’s had injury issues, and I like how Dallas Turner came on last season with a team-leading eight sacks. But who is going to be the third edge player in a rotation, or in the case of injury to a starter?

I want to see if the coaches give Golday some minicamp reps at OLB/Edge, after that was the indication when he was drafted. O’Connell says Golday is first learning the inside linebacker spot, where he would back up an excellent starting duo in Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson. But with Ivan Pace also here as a backup ILB, the best first-year impact for Golday would be as a rotating edge rusher who can drop into coverage (thus the athletic comparison between Golday and Van Ginkel). But we may not see that develop fully until later in training camp or on into the regular season.

Safeties and Third Corner  

Lots to dissect here. Will Harrison Smith return for his 15th season, which should be the hope for the coaching staff and team? If he’s indeed coming back, I’m sure the coaches would love to see him on the field at minicamp as the leader of the secondary.

How quickly can third-round safety Jakobe Thomas learn the defense and the demands of the safety positions? He’s supposed to be a smart and instinctive player. He then should be able to beat out Theo Jackson and Jay Ward for the third safety spot (which the Vikings utilize in their defense fairly often) and push Josh Metellus as the season goes on for the No. 2 spot unless Smith retires. Then the team has to hope Metellus and Thomas can be a solid starting duo.

At the third corner, I’ll be watching free agent signee  James Pierre and speedy fifth-rounder Charles Demmings to see how they do in coverage against the Vikings’ elite wide receivers. And what’s up with now third-year corner Dwight McGlothern, who looked like a future star in 2024 training camp but has not yet pushed his way into a bigger role?

Reichard/Hekker/DePaola

This will be more of a storyline in training camp and preseason games, but the departure of punter/holder Ryan Wright to the Saints in free agency forced the Vikings to sign 36-year-old Johnny Hekker to work as the punter and holder for all-pro kicker Will Reichard.

There will be thousands of reps on field goals and extra points during OTAs, minicamp, and training camp, and the chemistry has to be great among Reichard, Hekker, and snapper Andrew DePaola, leading into the regular season, when there will be plenty of close games as usual. So we’ll see how this trio progresses in the next month.

Lots of reps for Brandel

The center spot will be a focal point when checking out the offensive line. Blake Brandel needs all the reps he can get as he takes over as the starting center, and we’ll see if seventh-rounder Gavin Gerhardt looks like a player who can push Brandel at some point and initially beat out Michael Jurgens (as backup center) in training camp.

The OTAs and minicamp are important for all the centers at a position that could be a problem this season.

Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year … More about Jeff Diamond

Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal to make Atalanta midfielder Ederson their first signing of the summer transfer window. United have been in talks to sign Ederson in a transfer worth around £38million, reports Steven Railston.

United have planned to overhaul the midfield, but signing Ederson is not set to alter the club’s plan to sign a marquee Casemiro replacement.

Ederson played in his homeland of Brazil until 2022 before a move to Italian club Salernitana. After six months with Salernitana he signed for Atalanta, where he has made 180 appearances.

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson with Michael Carrick having sped up the process of getting a new Brazilian through the door at Old Trafford

His rise to prominence across Europe is well known. Which makes Manchester United keeping their interest in Ederson under wraps impressive.

United have pursued other targets at the same time as the Brazilian. And have been content for those names to be made public. But it will be Ederson who could well be the first signing through the doors of Old Trafford this summer.

United could be forgiven for refusing to do business with Atalanta ever again. After all, it was the same Italian club which sold them Rasmus Hojlund for £72m. And look how that turned out!

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

But United have remained undeterred, having spent 12 months monitoring Ederson’s progress and development in Serie A and the Champions League. While Atalanta president, Antonio Percassi, is keen to cash in on Ederson, who will be entering the final 12 months of his current contract next month.

He first appeared on United’s radar after helping Atalanta win the Europa League in 2024. In that season, he made 52 appearances and scored seven goals. United’s determination has not wavered.

Aside from some impressive scouting reports on someone who is renowned for being uncompromising, energetic and with an eye for goal, Ederson ticked more boxes when it became clear to United he would be within their financial budget. A price tag of £42m appealed to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

As did the fact Ederson is earning just £25,000-a-week in Italy, and will only cost United a jump to around £75,000-a-week in Manchester. Michael Carrick’s promotion to the role of permanent manager also speeded up the process, once he evaluated the merits of a move for the 26-year-old.

Carrick is said to like how versatile Ederson can be. Comfortable in a holding midfield role, or one more advanced up the pitch.

Advertisement

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Despite his success at Atalanta, Ederson has made no secret of his desire to test himself at one of the biggest clubs. His long held dream has been to make it to the Premier League.

Describing his strengths, Ederson said: “My features are keeping the ball at my feet. I can play both defensive and attacking football. I find it easy to attack the space.”

Ederson’s favourite number is 13. Which might be unlucky for some, but not him, it seems. He asked to wear the No.13 shirt when he joined Atalanta from Salernitana in 2022. His wife was born on July 13, and his superstitions run deep. It means Ederson will have to have a conversation with Patrick Dorgu when he arrived at United. Dorgu is the current incumbent of the 13 shirt at Old Trafford.

Ederson has won three Brazil caps, but has not made the squad for the World Cup. Which means he will be able to have a full pre-season at United, if and when the deal is completed. And if he can continue his upward trajectory at one of the biggest clubs in the world, he can expect a recall to the international stage.

But shining bright for Atalanta is one thing, doing it at Old Trafford is another altogether. Signings with huge potential have come and gone from United in the past, without making a mark.

So the pressure on him to succeed will be huge, if United are to avoid looking like amateurs in the transfer market once again.

Reigning and undisputed ONE women’s atomweight Muay Thai world champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues of Brazil has long ruled supreme over her division as the queen of ‘the art of eight limbs’.

But the 28-year-old mom-champ will be the first to admit she craves even more accolades, with eyes on the atomweight kickboxing gold in particular, and a little more distant — MMA.

Check out the video below:

Advertisement

In a recent interview with ONE Championship, the 28-year-old Rodrigues said:

“I’m so happy to sign again with ONE, and I promise my best [in] Muay Thai, MMA, kickboxing, I come for everything. And for this fight, you’re going to see more than my best than my last fight.”

Rodrigues will take her first step toward achieving that goal when she takes on ONE women’s atomweight kickboxing world champion ‘The Queen’ Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom of Thailand at The Inner Circle on June 19. The event will take place live in Asia primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Inner Circle is ONE Championship’s premium monthly subscription platform, offering fans an all-access pass to exclusive weekly events. Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live via a monthly subscription at live.onefc.com.

Allycia Hellen Rodrigues preparing for an absolute barnburner against Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom

Brazilian mom-champ Allycia Hellen Rodrigues says she will be fully prepared for an absolute war when she meets Thai superstar ‘The Queen’ Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom at The Inner Circle on June 19.

At stake is Rodrigues’ coveted gold, and the 28-year-old knows she will have to be at her best to stave off the Thai firecracker’s legitimate threat. She told ONE Championship:

“What I have, so many things to do in the fight. I have my clinch, I have my knees, I have to be 100 percent in everything, you know? Yes, I’m going to be 100 percent for war.”

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Allycia Hellen Rodrigues’ next fight.