Manchester United pull plug on Ederson deal over fitness fears
The Red Devils have walked away from the transfer after raising concerns about the midfielder's physical condition, with Atalanta insisting he is 100 per cent fit.
Manchester United have abandoned their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the proposed move dramatically collapsing at the final hurdle. The Brazilian was widely expected to join the Premier League side this summer, but the deal has now been called off after United informed the Serie A outfit of their change of heart.
The decision comes amid growing speculation that fitness worries were behind United’s sudden retreat. According to sources close to the situation, the club’s medical team had flagged concerns over Ederson’s condition during the final stages of negotiations. Atalanta, however, have pushed back strongly, publicly stating that the 27-year-old is in peak physical shape and ready to continue featuring for the Italian side.
Ederson had appeared destined for a move to Old Trafford after the two clubs reached a broad agreement on a fee and personal terms were understood to be in place. But United’s late pivot has stunned the Bergamo outfit, who are now prepared to welcome the player back into their plans for the upcoming campaign. It remains unclear exactly what specific issues United’s medical staff identified, though the abrupt nature of the collapse suggests the doubts were significant enough to scupper the entire operation.
The failed deal leaves Manchester United with a pressing problem in midfield. The departures of Casemiro at the end of his contract this summer, coupled with a serious injury to Manuel Ugarte, have left head coach Michael Carrick worryingly short of options in the centre of the park. Ugarte has struggled to make a consistent impact since his arrival and will now be sidelined for an extended period, compounding the manager’s selection headache.
United had identified Ederson as a key target to reinforce the engine room, and his ability to break up play and drive forward with the ball made him an attractive proposition. The 27-year-old has been one of the standout performers in Serie A over recent seasons, helping Atalanta compete both domestically and in Europe. His physicality and tactical intelligence were seen as ideal traits for the Premier League, making United’s decision to walk away all the more surprising.
With the Ederson move now dead, attention will turn to alternative targets. The club’s recruitment team are believed to be exploring other options, though time is becoming a factor as pre-season preparations intensify. Fans will be hoping that United have a contingency plan ready, given the glaring lack of depth in midfield ahead of a demanding campaign.