​Manchester United were poised to complete a deal for Brazilian midfielder Ederson this week after reaching an agreement with Atalanta last month. The move, however, now appears uncertain, according to a new report. Ederson, 27, has long been on United’s radar, with several approaches made for the São Paulo native in recent years. Atalanta had previously been reluctant to part with him, with reports suggesting their asking price could reach as high as £70 million last summer, a figure that scuppered progression despite the midfielder’s strong reputation at Old Trafford.
With Ederson’s contract due to expire next year, Atalanta have softened their stance, seeking to ensure they still receive a substantial fee rather than risk losing the player for nothing in twelve months. Initially, Atletico Madrid were viewed as the frontrunners, as Diego Simeone believed Ederson’s energetic, all-action style—built on hard work and decisive duels—would suit Los Colchoneros’ system perfectly. Seeing a market opportunity for a versatile midfielder at a reduced price, United attempted a hijack, quickly securing Ederson’s interest in a move to Manchester United.
After negotiations between INEOS and Atalanta, a deal reportedly worth £35 million with £3.8 million in add-ons was agreed at the start of June. Ederson had been expected to travel to Manchester to complete the move following a medical. However, a setback occurred when Brazilian right-back Wesley sustained an injury, prompting Carlo Ancelotti to call up additional players for Brazil’s World Cup squad and delaying the transfer. Once Brazil’s tournament in North America concluded, the plan was to finalise the move pending a fresh medical.
In a dramatic development, United are now said to want to conduct a thorough exam of Ederson before concluding the deal, casting doubt on the notion that he was firmly locked in to join the Red Devils. This has intensified after ESPN Brazil’s Felipe Silva reported that the deal is currently “stalled” just hours after United tabled a £50 million bid for Andrey Santos, a Brazilian midfielder seen as a similar profile to Ederson. Chelsea have accepted that proposal, and the 22-year-old is expected to undergo a medical at Old Trafford soon, in what insiders describe as a potential coup for United’s hierarchy given Santos’ upside.
These twists raise questions about whether United will honour the contract with Ederson and complete the agreement with Atalanta, especially as Fabrizio Romano has stated that United want certain guarantees before signing off on the deal. In short, while Ederson appeared set to become a United player, fresh guarantees and medicals are now required, and the transfer hangs in the balance as discussions continue.