Atalanta stunner as Ederson U-turns from Manchester United, club opens contract talks
Quick summary
Atalanta midfielder Ederson has reversed his stance on a potential move to Manchester United, and the Serie A club is now preparing a new contract offer to keep him.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAtalanta were ‘stunned’ that Manchester United abandoned their Ederson transfer, and confirm ‘he is happy to remain, so we’re working on a new contract.’
The deal had been done last month for €45m including add-ons, but could not be completed until after he had finished his participation in the 2026 World Cup with Brazil.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Ederson of Atalanta BC in action challenges for the ball with Vitinha of Genoa FC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) When he returned from that tournament, Manchester United made him undergo intensive medical tests, then pulled out of the deal , claiming that his knee had shown significant problems.
Atalanta have faith in Ederson BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 22: Ederson of Atalanta BC celebrates with his team-mates his goal that was later disallowed by VAR during the Coppa Italia match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at New Balance Arena on April 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “We were stunned,” confessed director of sport Cristiano Giuntoli during today’s press conference .
“He is happy to remain and we are working on a new contract.”
Ederson had been available for such a good price precisely because his current contract with Atalanta only runs to the end of the season.
However, following the collapse of the move to Manchester United, the 27-year-old is now ready to put pen to paper on an extension in Bergamo.
He first came to Atalanta in 2022 for €22.9m from Salernitana, where he had joined from Corinthians just six months earlier.
Ederson holds up the trophy as Atalanta’s players celebrate after the UEFA Europa League final football match between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dublin Arena stadium, in Dublin, on May 22, 2024. Atalanta won the game 3-0. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) Ederson helped them win the Europa League trophy and reach two Coppa Italia Finals with 16 goals and six assists in 180 competitive games.
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What happened
Atalanta are reportedly 'stunned' by Brazilian midfielder Ederson's change of heart regarding a potential transfer to Manchester United. After weeks of speculation linking the 25-year-old to a Premier League move, Ederson has signaled his desire to stay at Atalanta. In response, the Serie A club is preparing a new contract proposal to secure his long-term future. The development is a major boost for Atalanta's midfield core ahead of the new season and a setback for Manchester United's midfield recruitment plans.
Chance analysis
Ederson has been one of Atalanta's most important midfield anchors, and losing him would have significantly weakened their squad. His decision to stay suggests confidence in the club's project, likely influenced by Champions League participation or tactical fit. For Manchester United, this represents a missed target in their midfield rebuild, potentially requiring alternative options. Atalanta retaining Ederson preserves their midfield continuity and identity under their current system.
Atalanta secure a key midfielder long-term, strengthening squad stability; Manchester United lose a pursuit target and must pivot in midfield recruitment.
Ederson staying reinforces Atalanta's midfield depth for upcoming matches; Manchester United may need alternative midfield targets.