Atalanta surprised by Manchester United's withdrawal
According to Soccernews.
Context
25-year-old Ederson has been a key player at Atalanta since his move from Salernitana, contributing 16 goals in 180 games. His role at the club was highlighted by winning the Europa League in the 2023-24 season, reinforcing his importance in the context of Serie A football.
Why this matters
Manchester United's withdrawal from signing Ederson is a significant development in the transfer market, especially considering the impact the player has had at Atalanta. The Italian club's confidence in Ederson, despite allegations of knee problems, highlights the midfielder's importance in their game plan, where he has become a central figure since his arrival in 2022.
Main conclusions
- Atalanta surprised by Manchester United's withdrawal.
- Atalanta reacted with surprise to Manchester United's decision to sign Ederson due to alleged knee problems detected in tests.
- Atalanta ‘stunned’ Man Utd pulled out of Ederson deal.
Atalanta was taken by surprise with Manchester United's withdrawal from signing Ederson, after alleged problems detected in medical examinations. Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli admitted that the Bergamo club was “stunned” by the English decision, in an operation that, in June, seemed well underway for around 45 million euros, including bonuses.
According to sources close to the dossier, Ederson was initially very close to moving to Old Trafford, but his call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad forced him to postpone the series of medical tests until after the Canarian team's elimination. It was then that United identified the midfielder's “significant knee problems”, opting to step back and interrupt the process. In parallel, the Red Devils have signed an agreement with Youri Tielemans, from Aston Villa, to reinforce the midfield.
On the Italian side, the response was immediate and firm. “We were surprised”, acknowledged Giuntoli, in a press conference, highlighting that Atalanta maintains full confidence in Ederson. “He is happy to continue [at Atalanta] and we are working on a new contract”, added the director, implying that the club intends to protect the player after the turnaround in the market.
Ederson, 25, arrived at Atalanta in July 2022 from Salernitana. Since then, he has played 180 official matches and scored 16 goals with the Nerazzurri shirt, becoming a key player in the team's game model. He was a protagonist in the historic victory of the Europa League in 2023/24 and was part of the squad that reached the Italian Cup final in the same season. In the 2025/26 season, he stood out in terms of circulation and recovery metrics: he signed the fourth most passes in all competitions (1,849), had the fourth most touches on the ball (2,432) and no one on the team recovered possession more times (189).
For Manchester United, who were looking for muscle, arrival in the area and reliability in pressing their midfield, the change of direction ends up reconfiguring the squad's planning. As for Atalanta, the outcome reinforces the ambition of retaining one of the most influential elements of its structure, rewarding the Brazilian's performance and guaranteeing stability in a crucial sector of the eleven.
Without an agreement with United, and with the management moving towards renewal, Ederson should remain a reference in Atalanta's core, while the transfer market continues to change the Italy-England axis after the World Cup.
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What happens next
With Atalanta preparing a new contract renewal for Ederson, it is likely that the Italian club will seek to strengthen its position in midfield, especially after Manchester United's retreat. Ederson's continuity at Atalanta could be crucial for the team next season, while the club is also watching the market in search of new opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Manchester United signing Ederson?
Manchester United withdrew from signing Ederson after identifying significant problems with the player's knee during medical examinations.
Who confirmed Manchester United's withdrawal from signing Ederson?
Atalanta's sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, confirmed that the club was surprised by Manchester United's decision.
Why did Manchester United decide to give up on signing Ederson now?
Manchester United opted to withdraw from the signing after detecting significant problems with Ederson's knee during medical examinations.
What changes are Atalanta considering after Manchester United's withdrawal?
Atalanta is working on a new contract for Ederson, showing confidence in the player after Manchester United's withdrawal.
What is Ederson's current situation at Atalanta after Manchester United's withdrawal?
Ederson is happy to remain at Atalanta and the team is working to secure him with a new contract.