Manchester United have ended their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson after deciding not to proceed with the transfer following extensive medical assessments, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Premier League club had already reached an agreement with Atalanta worth around €45 million, while personal terms with the Brazil international had also been settled weeks earlier. The move had been expected to make Ederson the first of three midfield additions planned by United during the summer transfer window.
The transfer timeline was delayed after Ederson received a late call-up to Brazil’s squad for the FIFA World Cup. With the midfielder unavailable to travel immediately, United carried out an initial medical assessment remotely in the United States before scheduling further examinations in England once his international commitments ended.
After Brazil’s surprise Round of 16 elimination to Norway, Ederson travelled to England earlier this week to undergo additional medical tests. Reports soon emerged suggesting the transfer was in jeopardy, although some sources maintained the club had not yet made a final decision.
Romano has now confirmed that United have officially informed Atalanta they will not complete the deal.
According to the Italian journalist, Atalanta have received formal notification that the transfer has been cancelled. He added that the Italian club remains convinced there are no significant fitness concerns surrounding the 27-year-old and is prepared to welcome him back into the squad.
Atalanta’s position is that Ederson is fully fit to play, pointing to his recent involvement with Brazil at the World Cup as evidence of his condition. However, United reached a different conclusion after carrying out further medical evaluations and ultimately decided against completing the signing.
The collapse of the move leaves United searching for alternative midfield reinforcements as they continue reshaping the squad.
The club completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea on Friday in a deal worth £50 million. Santos has signed a five-year contract with the option of a further year, becoming another key addition to Michael Carrick’s squad.
Attention will now turn to United’s remaining midfield targets as the club continues its recruitment drive. Among the players linked with moves to Old Trafford are Carlos Baleba, Manu Koné, Felix Nmecha, Alex Scott and João Gomes, with United still aiming to strengthen the centre of the pitch before the transfer window closes.
