Man United’s move for Ederson collapses after failed medical
Fitness concern of Atalanta's midfielder Ederson ends his dream to join Manchester United
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM — Manchester United has withdrawn from a deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Ederson dos Santos after further medical examinations raised concerns, ending a transfer that had been verbally agreed. The collapse was confirmed after United informed Atalanta of its decision, forcing the Premier League club back into the market as preparations for the pre-season training and friendlies.
For Ederson dos Santos, the collapse of the move to the red side of Manchester is not just about the failed step; It’s also about a life-changing career advancement. The midfielder has been preparing for the big move after establishing himself in Serie A at Atalanta. Instead of arriving at Old Trafford, he now has to go back to Italy or hope for another club to show interest in him.
United’s priority is to protect financial investment; on the other hand, Atalanta is maintaining confidence in their player. Ederson’s dream of playing in the English Premier League might have to wait.
Man United has identified the midfield as a priority; this is after Casemiro’s contract came to an end and Mason Mount’s injury-proneness. The midfield is a very crucial position in a football team; this is because the midfield controls the flow of the game, wins possession, and creates goal-scoring opportunities.
Ederson emerged as the leading target after producing a good performance for Atalanta BC in the just-concluded Serie A season. Negotiations were progressing well as both the player and Man United had verbally agreed on the deal before the collapse.
Ederson dos Santos, Atalanta and Brazil midfielder. His proposed move to Manchester United collapsed after the Premier League club withdrew in Bergamo, Italy on July 11, 2026 at 7:56 PM. Photo: Joe/Daily Post. © 2026
The transfer collapse of the midfielder has left Manchester United fans wondering if the club will be able to get the team at its best before the next EPL season starts. The United’s board is trying to avoid panic buying and not repeat past mistakes of spending millions to get average and injury-prone players. The setback has increased pressure on the club’s recruitment team to deliver quality midfielders before the closure of the transfer window.
“It's interesting that he was fit to go to Brazil, but Man United has clearly found something in that medical. Something has been found, whether that's a chronic injury, some weakness in the joint, or whatever it may be; they've found something that has made Manchester United not want to part ways with a 38 million pounds total package. Somebody has looked at it and said, "Uh-uh, nah, nah, nah, nah, we don't trust that. We're not on it. Either that or they signed Andre Santos," said Flex, a Man United fan.”
Manchester United is expected to go back to the transfer market and accelerate talks with other midfielders. This is to allow the team to strengthen the squad before the start of the 2026/2027 English Premier League season and fight for the 21st trophy.