The proposed transfer of Atalanta midfielder Ederson to Manchester United collapsed this summer after medical examinations revealed cause for concern regarding the Brazilian’s fitness.
Ederson had been close to becoming United’s initial summer acquisition, before the deal was aborted due to issues discovered during his medical assessments. The 27-year-old was identified as a direct successor to Casemiro, who departed Old Trafford at the conclusion of the previous season without a transfer fee.
After extended discussions, a valuation of £39 million was settled upon, and Ederson travelled to Greater Manchester to complete what should have been a standard medical evaluation. However, during the examination, a knee injury was identified that proved significant enough for United to abandon the transfer entirely.
Following the collapsed move, Ederson returned to Atalanta and was rewarded with a new contract extending until 2031, effectively securing his future with the Serie A club for the remainder of his professional career.
Ederson has now spoken publicly about the circumstances surrounding his aborted switch to United. Ahead of Atalanta’s Europa Conference League play-off encounter with Hapoel Tel Aviv scheduled for Thursday, he explained that he remains uncertain about the exact reasons for the deal’s failure. He noted that alternative interest from other English clubs had existed, and that the medical examinations apparently proceeded without complications. Having spent four years with Atalanta and maintaining consistent involvement in the team, he cited his strong relationship with the club as the primary factor behind his decision to extend his stay rather than wait for other opportunities.
In the aftermath of Ederson’s failed medical, United moved swiftly to address their midfield requirements. The club completed a £35 million deal for Youri Tielemans following his impressive campaign with Aston Villa, which concluded with the Midlands side achieving a fourth-place Premier League finish. They subsequently announced the £52 million acquisition of Andrey Santos from Chelsea, providing additional depth and options in central midfield for the upcoming season.
Despite these signings, United appear to remain in the market for at least one further addition to their engine room. The club has reignited their pursuit of Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion. The 23-year-old Cameroonian had been a long-standing target throughout the previous summer transfer window, though Brighton’s asking price of £100 million had previously prevented any formal approach. Although Baleba currently deals with a minor ankle ligament issue, United have now lodged a £65 million bid with the aim of securing the promising midfielder at a reduced rate. Whether Brighton will consider such an offer remains uncertain.