Ederson has signed a new five-year contract with Atalanta, bringing an end to a protracted transfer saga that saw him come close to joining Manchester United. The 27-year-old midfielder was initially announced as a signing for United under manager Michael Carrick, but the deal collapsed following concerns raised during extensive medical examinations in England.
Manchester United were prepared to meet Ederson’s €40 million release clause and had already agreed personal terms with the player. However, the club’s medical staff were reportedly unhappy with the condition of his knee, leading to the termination of negotiations. There had been suggestions that United might revisit the transfer if circumstances changed later in the summer.
Despite the potential mobility Ederson would have offered Carrick’s side, a quality United have lacked even after the acquisitions of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea for a combined fee approaching €100 million, the medical concerns proved insurmountable. United may have been willing to negotiate a lower transfer fee had they been confident in his long-term fitness.
Atalanta confirmed the extension of Ederson’s contract, which will keep him with the club until 2031. A club statement highlighted the “excellent results and mutual satisfaction” of his initial four-year spell with the Nerazzurri, culminating in their 2024 Europa League triumph. The club wished Ederson “the best of luck” as he continues his career in Italy.
Manchester United’s transfer plans remain unchanged following the collapse of the deal for Ederson. They are still actively pursuing a third central midfielder to bolster their squad after securing Tielemans and Santos. While a marquee signing had been anticipated, recent reports suggest United may opt for a more budget-friendly option. Carrick is seeking to add energy to the midfield, a characteristic Ederson possessed, as the team aims to build on last season’s third-place finish and challenge for the Premier League title.
Nicolas Raskin, the midfielder currently at Rangers, has been linked with a move to United as a potential alternative. Interestingly, Atalanta have also been reported as having an interest in Raskin, potentially creating a further connection between the two clubs despite missing out on Ederson.
