Manchester United pulled the plug on a €45 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson after the second round of medical tests flagged concerns about his right knee. The two clubs and the player had an agreement in place for over a month, but United’s medical staff were not satisfied with the condition of the Brazilian’s meniscus, according to reports from Gazzetta.
Ederson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right meniscus in August of last year. But here’s the thing that makes Atalanta’s position so frustrating: after that surgery, the 25-year-old logged 3,169 minutes across all competitions last season. That was the fourth-highest total among outfield players for La Dea. He made 30 appearances in Serie A and played in nine Champions League matches. So from Atalanta’s perspective, the guy is clearly fit enough to play at an elite level. United’s doctors saw it differently.
What United’s decision means for Atalanta
Ederson’s current contract runs through 2027. That’s not the immediate problem. The problem is that Gian Piero Gasperini’s side was planning around that €45 million coming in. Now it’s not. And with less than a year left on his deal — wait, actually the reports say his contract expires in 2027, so there’s still time. But the club might need to offer him an extension anyway, just to protect his value. Unless another club steps up in the next few weeks.
Italian media have thrown out another theory too. Some outlets are suggesting United’s interest in Roma’s Manu Koné — who impressed at the World Cup — might have made them less willing to push through the Ederson deal. Roma is reportedly asking for at least €55 million for Koné, so that wouldn’t be a cheaper alternative. But it would mean a different profile of player.
United hasn’t commented publicly on the medical results. That’s typical. But the message from their end is clear: they saw something they didn’t like, and they walked away.
Atalanta now has to decide whether to bet on Ederson long-term or try to move him before the window closes. The club believes he’s fully fit and will likely point to his minutes played as proof. Whether another top club agrees with Atalanta or with United’s medical team is the open question.
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