Manchester United’s shock U-turn over Ederson has left Atalanta stunned — and the Serie A side now insists the 27-year-old Brazil international is happy to remain in Bergamo after talks for a new contract began.

The deal for the Atalanta forward looked done last month for a reported €45 million including add-ons, but United pulled out after he returned from the 2026 World Cup with Brazil, citing concerns over his knee in medical tests. Manchester United are third in the Premier League with 71 points from 38 games and face Wrexham at home on 18 July 2026.

What happened with Manchester United and Ederson?

Atalanta sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli admitted his club was “stunned” by United’s decision to walk away from the €45 million deal agreed last month. The transfer hinged on Ederson’s fitness after his return from the 2026 World Cup, but United’s medical staff flagged issues with his knee during post-tournament assessments.

Giuntoli told reporters today: “We were stunned. He is happy to remain and we are working on a new contract.” The collapse leaves Ederson’s future at Atalanta in flux — and the club now moving quickly to secure his long-term future in Italy.

Why Ederson’s exit matters for Manchester United

The Red Devils’ dramatic change of heart over Ederson’s fitness could signal deeper concerns in their recruitment strategy. The 27-year-old arrived at Atalanta in 2022 from Salernitana for €22.9 million, just six months after joining from Corinthians, and has since fired 16 goals and six assists in 180 competitive games.

United’s recent form — four wins and a draw in their last five — masks underlying questions about squad depth and transfer targeting. Manchester United beat Brighton 3-0 on 24 May 2026, but their 14-point gap to Arsenal in the title race shows the scale of the challenge ahead.

What comes next for Ederson and Atalanta?

With his current contract expiring this season, Ederson is now open to signing a new deal in Bergamo. Atalanta’s push for a quick resolution reflects both their faith in his fitness and the need to avoid losing him for free in June 2026.

The club’s Europa League-winning campaign and two Coppa Italia finals under his watch add weight to their urgency. Manchester United sit 14 points behind leaders Arsenal with just one pre-season friendly left before the new campaign, putting Ederson’s situation in sharp relief.

And with key midfielders Manuel Ugarte and Youri Tielemans sidelined, Atalanta’s focus is squarely on locking down Ederson before the transfer window slams shut.