Top News

Atalanta midfielder Ederson has spoken publicly after his proposed transfer to Manchester United collapsed dramatically, saying he is still completely puzzled by the decision to call off the move at the final stage.

The 27-year-old Brazil international had seemed set for a switch to Old Trafford after Manchester United agreed a reported £39 million deal with Atalanta.

But the transfer broke down after concerns were reportedly flagged during the midfielder’s medical tests.

Speaking about the failed move, Ederson said he is still unable to understand the decision:

“I’ve no idea why that happened. I’ve always had offers and interest from other clubs, and I could have moved to another English club… The medical checks went fine, but I don’t know what happened. I always played regularly here at Atalanta!”

After the deal collapsed, Atalanta brought Ederson back into the squad.

The Serie A side have continued to show faith in the midfielder’s fitness and later gave him a new long-term contract, making sure the failed Manchester United move does not unsettle his immediate future.

For Ederson, though, the episode marks a frustrating end to a transfer that had taken him to the brink of a Premier League move.

The midfielder had reportedly drawn interest from multiple clubs, but Manchester United’s £39m agreement with Atalanta had made Old Trafford look like his most probable destination.

Even though Ederson’s transfer fell through, Manchester United have pressed on with reshaping their midfield.

The Red Devils completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a £48 million deal, and also added experienced Belgium international Youri Tielemans to the squad.

United have not stopped there and are continuing with an aggressive squad revamp.

Reports suggest the club are close to finalising a major deal for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba before the transfer window shuts, rounding off a dramatic change in recruitment strategy after Ederson’s collapsed move.