The deal has been agreed, personal terms sorted, now it is time for a footballer to complete their medical - but what does it entail? A medical is used to assess the overall health and fitness of a potential signing, as well as identifying any underlying medical issues they may have. There is no legal requirement for players to have a medical before a transfer, but they do help a club to decide whether to complete a signing.
Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson was set to move to Manchester United in the 2026 summer transfer window, but this deal fell through because of the outcome of his medical. A medical test can take as long as six hours, and includes: Physical tests look at the general health of a player, including measuring their height, weight, blood pressure and heart rate. Doctors also assess their muscles, joints and bones.
The cardiovascular health tests are a little more complex and assess the heart health of a player through doing electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms and stress tests. Doctors will give players blood tests in order to get a complete blood count. They also assess liver function and will request urine tests and drugs tests too.
Footballers also have a full physical examination - testing their motion, strength, movement and posture. This can be done through a full-body MRI exam, X-rays and also ultrasounds. Neurological tests look at psychology, balance, coordination and also complete concussion assessments.
The results are then sent to the managerial team of the buying club, where their doctors and medical staff can analyse the information. A player does not actually 'pass' or 'fail' a medical exam, they just complete one before joining a new club. It is then up to the buying club to decide whether signing the player in question is worth any risk should there be any abnormalities found in the results.
Think of it a bit like buying a house. Buyers will get a survey done, and weigh up whether they will complete the purchase depending on the findings. Like a house survey, if a manager or team is determined to sign a player, they can do so despite any issues in the medical test.
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