Ederson Transfer to Manchester United Collapses as Club Changes Plans
Sports Updated: 10 July 2026 22:43 EAT
Photo courtesy: Atalant Brazilian Star midfieldrer
Manchester United's proposed move for Atalanta midfielder Éderson has collapsed after the Premier League club informed the Serie A side that it would not proceed with the transfer, bringing an end to one of the summer's longest-running transfer sagas.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday that the deal was officially off, with Manchester United changing their plans despite months of negotiations and an earlier agreement in principle between the two clubs.
The reason behind Man United pulling out of the Éderson deal with Atalanta: there was an issue with Éderson’s knee. He had been receiving injections to continue playing without pain because he wanted to participate in the World Cup.
After assessing the situation, Man United believe the injections he has been taking could have long-term effects on his knee and career. The club is concerned there could be serious long-term consequences, which led them to withdraw from the deal.
Atalanta maintain that the Brazilian midfielder is fully fit and are prepared to welcome him back into their squad ahead of the new season. The Italian club does not share the concerns that ultimately led United to abandon the move.
The decision marks a dramatic turnaround after Manchester United had previously agreed a deal worth about €45 million (£38 million including add-ons) for the 26-year-old midfielder, with personal terms also understood to have been settled.
Earlier reports indicated that the transfer was delayed pending medical examinations after Éderson's participation with Brazil during the FIFA World Cup, preventing the move from being completed before July.
However, doubts over the player's medical status emerged during the process, with several reports suggesting Manchester United wanted additional assessments before giving final approval to the transfer.
Despite those concerns, Atalanta remained convinced that Éderson had fully recovered and was available for selection, insisting there was no issue preventing him from returning to competitive action.
Manchester United have now informed Atalanta that they will not proceed with the signing, effectively ending negotiations between the two clubs.
The collapse represents a significant shift in United's transfer strategy, with reports indicating the club has begun exploring alternative midfield targets instead of reviving negotiations for the Brazilian.
Recent reports have linked United with other midfield options, including AS Roma's Manu Koné, should the Éderson move fail to materialise.
Éderson, who joined Atalanta from Salernitana in 2022, has established himself as one of Serie A's leading central midfielders through his ball-winning ability, athleticism and versatility in Gian Piero Gasperini's side.
The midfielder remains under contract with Atalanta and is now expected to resume pre-season preparations with the Bergamo club unless another club submits a fresh offer during the transfer window.
For Manchester United, the collapse means the search for midfield reinforcements continues as the club reshapes its squad ahead of the 2026–27 campaign, with attention now expected to turn to alternative targets before the transfer window closes.
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FELIX MAKONA
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