​Manchester United had been negotiating to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson for €45 million, but the deal has now fallen through as United reportedly abandoned the pursuit. An agreement between the two clubs and the player had been in place for over a month, yet Ederson failed to pass the second portion of his medical in Manchester. Gazzetta dello Sport reported that United were unsettled by concerns over the Brazilian’s right knee, and as a result the transfer did not go ahead.
Ederson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right meniscus last August, but he returned to action strongly, logging 3,169 minutes across all competitions for Atalanta in the prior season. He made 30 appearances in Serie A and added nine more in the Champions League, highlighting his continued importance to La Dea. In the 2025/26 campaign, he was among the club’s most utilized outfield players, reflecting his value to the team and his overall durability despite the knee issue that troubled United’s medical staff during the assessment process.
Despite Manchester United’s scrutiny, Atalanta remains convinced of Ederson’s fitness. The club’s assessment stands in contrast to United’s, reinforcing the belief at Bergamo that the 26-year-old Brazilian defender-midfielder still has a significant role to play in their plans. In the wake of United’s withdrawal, speculation has grown that Atalanta may still seek to extend Ederson’s contract to protect their asset, especially since his current deal runs until 2027.
Meanwhile, rumors in Italian media have linked Manchester United with Roma midfielder Manu Koné as an alternative, spurred by impressive World Cup performances by the French teenager. Corriere dello Sport reported that any potential move for Koné would require a minimum fee of around €55 million, a price tag that could influence United’s transfer strategy as they pivot away from Ederson. The Red Devils’ decision to drop Ederson places Atalanta in a delicate situation, given their patience with a player whose versatility and minutes logged have made him an attractive prospect for big clubs.
If no other club steps forward with an offer for Ederson in the near future, Atalanta would likely need to revisit terms with the Brazilian to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires. The scenario underscores the tightrope Italian clubs walk when negotiating with elite teams in Europe, balancing the value of their homegrown or developed talents against the risk of losing them at the end of a deal. For Atalanta, keeping Ederson would require careful contractual arrangements that reflect his contributions on the pitch, his injury history, and the club’s broader strategic ambitions. As Manchester United explores options ahead of the next transfer window, the possibility remains that Ederson could remain with La Dea if a new agreement were reached, while United pursues alternate targets to strengthen their squad.