​In a twist that recalls the chaotic spell of the Ed Woodward era, Manchester United’s pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson has suddenly fallen into doubt after appearing almost certain just days earlier. Ederson had long been on United’s radar and was expected to become the first signing of the Michael Carrick era, with a deal worth up to £39 million struck with Atalanta at the start of June to bring the 27-year-old to Old Trafford. A four-year contract, with an option for a further 12 months, was agreed with the player’s representatives, leaving only the medical to complete the transfer. Yet, concerns over a potential knee injury reportedly surfaced during these tests, prompting the need for further examination.
Complicating matters, Ederson was then called up to the Brazil squad for the World Cup to cover for Wesley, the AS Roma right-back. Carlo Ancelotti opted to use Fabinho as his backup to Casemiro instead of the Atalanta midfielder, despite Ederson’s credentials and his playing status in the Saudi Pro League. This delayed the move to Old Trafford, with United planning a second medical after Ederson’s tournament duties in North America had concluded. A 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of sixteen, in which Ederson came on as a substitute with the score at 0-0, provided a rough timeline for the deal to be ratified in the following days. But in the lead-up to the Norway match, rumors from Ederson’s homeland suggested United were weighing pulling the plug on the transfer. Club officials swiftly dismissed these whispers, insisting that all was still in place.
Those rumors, however, now appear to have gained some credibility, as reports in the last 24 hours claimed United had withdrawn from the deal. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano described the situation as having “collapsed,” while Gianluca Di Marzio, a highly respected Serie A journalist, asserted that United had “informed Atalanta that they are not continuing.” On the other hand, Manchester sources, including those based locally, have contested these reports, asserting that United have “firmly denied” any termination of negotiations and that the move is not off. Internal discussions continue behind the scenes, though the cautious use of the word “currently” hints that a change of stance remains a possibility.
Amid the Ederson saga, United’s activity in the transfer market has become even more eventful with the signing of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, a deal valued at around £50 million that is expected to be completed imminently. The rapid pace with which United has moved to secure Santos stands in stark contrast to the lengthy and uncertain process surrounding Ederson, further illustrating the current rollercoaster nature of their recruitment strategy. Insiders close to INEOS, Santos’s backers, perceive the price tag as excellent value in an inflated market, reinforcing the sense that United are weighing every option carefully as they navigate an increasingly complex window. In another layer of intrigue, AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone has also been mentioned in discussions as United balance their priorities, though at present the focus remains on the Ederson situation and the Santos acquisition, both of which are shaping United’s plans for the foreseeable future.