Brazilian midfielder Ederson has spoken publicly for the first time about the collapse of his proposed £35million transfer to Manchester United, admitting he remains unsure exactly why the deal fell through despite reports of an agreement being reached with Atalanta.
The 27-year-old had appeared destined to become the first summer signing under Michael Carrick in his role as permanent manager at Old Trafford, with United having struck terms with Atalanta back in June. However, the move ultimately unraveled after Ederson reportedly failed his medical examination, with United's medical staff said to have raised concerns regarding his fitness levels.
The transfer saga dragged on for months, with expectations growing that the switch would be finalized once the World Cup concluded. Ederson had been named in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad for the tournament held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, featuring in a limited capacity as the Selecao advanced to the round of 16 before being eliminated 2-1 by Erling Haaland's Norway.
With the international tournament behind him and no resolution on his club future, Ederson has now put the transfer talk to rest by signing a new contract with Atalanta ahead of the upcoming Serie A campaign. His previous deal had just one year remaining, which had allowed United to negotiate a discounted fee for his signature.
Speaking to reporters, Ederson addressed the confusion surrounding the collapsed deal directly. "I honestly don't know what happened. I always had interest from other clubs, and I could've gone to another English side," he said. "The tests went well, I don't know what changed."
The midfielder reflected on his time in Bergamo, emphasizing the strong relationship he has built with the club over four years. "I've been with Atalanta for four years and always played," he continued. "I could've just waited to see what happened, but the great rapport with the club convinced me to stay and sign a new contract."
Ederson went on to express gratitude toward the Serie A club and its leadership. "I am very happy to remain with Atalanta, I really thank the club and [club CEO] Luca Percassi," he added.
The failed transfer leaves United needing to look elsewhere to strengthen their midfield options this summer. The club has already moved to address the position, completing deals for Chelsea's Andrey Santos in a £48million transfer and Youri Tielemans for £35million, as Carrick continues to reshape his squad following his appointment.
For Ederson, the resolution brings closure to a transfer saga that had lingered throughout the summer months and threatened to overshadow his preparations for both club and international commitments. Having committed his future to Atalanta, he now turns his attention to the new Serie A season, where he will continue to be a key figure for the Bergamo-based club.
The collapsed move represents a significant setback for United's recruitment plans, though the club's swift pivot to alternative targets suggests they were prepared for such an eventuality. Whether concerns over Ederson's fitness prove to be a lasting issue remains to be seen, but for now, both player and club appear satisfied with the outcome that keeps him in Bergamo colors.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.