Manchester United have formally ended their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson Silva, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The club informed Atalanta of their decision today, bringing an end to a transfer that had been agreed in principle for a fee of €45 million over six weeks ago.
Personal terms with the Brazilian international were quickly established, and United had initially planned for Ederson to undergo a medical in July. This was delayed by his inclusion in Brazil’s Copa America squad, prompting a remote medical assessment while he was in the United States. A second, more comprehensive medical was scheduled for after the tournament.
Recent reports suggested the deal was in jeopardy, with United sources indicating a final decision was pending. However, Romano confirmed that United have now definitively pulled the plug on the transfer, despite Atalanta maintaining Ederson is fully fit and ready to play following his Copa America participation. The club believes Ederson is in peak condition and available for selection.
United’s decision followed further medical checks which raised concerns for the club, leading them to conclude the transfer was no longer viable. This comes after the completion of Andrey Santos’s £50 million move to Old Trafford, with the club now focusing on alternative midfield targets. Carlos Baleba, Manu Kone, Felix Nmecha, Alex Scott and Joao Gomes are among the players currently under consideration as United seek to bolster their midfield options.
The collapse of the Ederson deal leaves United searching for further reinforcements in midfield, with the aim of signing three new players in that position this summer. The club will now accelerate their pursuit of alternative targets, hoping to secure additions before the start of the new Premier League season.
