Manchester United have abandoned their €45 million move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson after medical examinations raised concerns over the condition of the Brazil international’s right knee.
The Premier League club had reached a verbal agreement with the Serie A side in June worth €40.5 million in guaranteed fees plus €4.5 million in performance-related add-ons. However, the transfer could not be finalised immediately as Ederson was participating in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, where he underwent only preliminary medical assessments.
Knee Concerns Prompt Withdrawal
Following Brazil’s elimination from the tournament, United requested further intensive medical tests to examine a specific issue with Ederson’s right knee. The midfielder underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right meniscus in August last year, but subsequently played 3,169 minutes across all competitions for Atalanta during the most recent campaign.
Despite this heavy workload, which made him the fourth outfield player with the most minutes for La Dea last season, United’s medical team were not convinced the knee met their required athletic standards. Sky Sport Italia and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano both confirmed that United have formally informed Atalanta of their decision to withdraw from the transfer.
Atalanta Maintain Player is Fully Fit
The Bergamo club strongly disputes any suggestion of long-term fitness concerns. Atalanta maintain that Ederson is fully fit and suggest United simply changed their minds about the transfer, pointing to his World Cup selection and extensive playing record as evidence of his physical condition.
Uncertainty remains regarding the exact length of Ederson’s contract, with sources differing on whether his deal expires in June 2027 or June 2028. Regardless, Atalanta hold a strong negotiating position and may offer the Brazilian a new contract extension to secure his future under new head coach Maurizio Sarri.
United Consider Alternatives
With the deal now collapsed, United may pursue Roma midfielder Manu Koné instead. The Giallorossi would demand at least €55 million for the French international, a fee approximately €10 million higher than the abandoned Ederson agreement.
Ederson could now remain at Atalanta and feature in Sarri’s first-team squad for the upcoming season unless another club emerges with a suitable offer before the transfer window closes. While some speculation suggests United might attempt to renegotiate the terms of the Ederson deal, Atalanta are reportedly unwilling to accept revised conditions.