Atalanta midfielder Ederson has spoken about the circumstances surrounding his failed transfer to Manchester United earlier this summer, revealing his confusion over the collapse of the deal. The 27-year-old was reportedly close to joining United for £39 million as part of the club's midfield reconstruction.
However, in early July, Manchester United reportedly halted the transfer after an initial medical examination revealed a knee problem. Ederson, who subsequently signed an extended contract with Atalanta, expressed his bewilderment about the outcome.
"I honestly don’t know what happened," Ederson stated ahead of Atalanta's Conference League play-off match. "The tests went well, I don’t know what changed. I’ve been with Atalanta for four years and always played."
Sources close to Manchester United indicated that the club intended to finalize the transfer in early July, following agreement on deal structure and personal terms with both Atalanta and the player. However, Ederson received a late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad due to an injury to defender Wesley. This led to the initial part of his medical being conducted in the United States.
Following the emergence of the knee issue and a subsequent full medical evaluation with specialist input after Brazil's tournament exit, Manchester United decided against proceeding with the transfer on the initially agreed terms. Sources sympathetic to the player and his family denied that the club terminated the deal before the completion of the full medical examination.
Despite the transfer falling through, Manchester United reportedly turned their attention to other targets, including Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, who was signed from Chelsea for £50 million. The club is also understood to be pursuing Brighton's Carlos Baleba before the transfer window closes.
Ederson has made 180 appearances for Atalanta over the last four seasons, playing 41 times across all competitions in the 2025-26 season. He expressed his contentment with remaining at Atalanta.
"I am very happy to remain with Atalanta, I really thank the club and (CEO) Luca Percassi," Ederson said. "They called me many times, I felt they were by my side, but even though I had interest from other clubs, after everything that happened, I thought it was best to stick with who really wanted me, and that was always Atalanta."
He added, "I had lovely moments going to the World Cup with Brazil, and then… I still don’t know what happened to be honest. But the important thing is that I was able to deal with the situation, return with the right mentality and give my all to the club that gave me so much. I am still Ederson, everyone knows me here and what I can do, they know I will always give my all. I was happy to wear the jersey that has given me so much joy."