Manchester United withdraw from Ederson deal over ...

By Bilal Ahmed — 11 July 2026 — 3 min read

Manchester United have reportedly withdrawn from a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson due to concerns arising from medical tests. The move, which had appeared close to completion, encountered issues after a physical examination revealed knee problems, prompting further investigation by the English club.

Initial reports had suggested an agreement was in place between Manchester United and Atalanta for the midfielder. The deal was understood to be pending due to Ederson’s participation in the World Cup for Brazil. However, the situation has now changed, with confirmation emerging from Italy that the transfer has fallen through.

Medical Concerns Halt Transfer

According to local reports, Manchester United and Atalanta had reached an agreement on a transfer fee. However, a recent physical test conducted today highlighted some knee issues. This discovery led Manchester United to conduct further inquiries into a knee problem that Ederson experienced during the previous season.

Per one report, Manchester United viewed these medical findings as a significant concern, leading them to discontinue the transfer. This development is expected to impact Atalanta’s transfer plans, with the possibility that Ederson could remain with the Bergamo-based club.

Previously, it was widely reported that a deal for Ederson was nearing completion. After an initial medical examination in New York during the World Cup, football journalist Fabrizio Romano had indicated that the deal was 100 per cent confirmed. Romano had stated in June that all documents for a €45 million package deal had been completed between Manchester United and Atalanta, with the player set to sign later in the summer after verbally agreeing terms in May.

However, subsequent updates from Romano introduced a note of caution, revealing that Ederson still needed to undergo a second medical in England for the transfer to be finalised. Romano explained on his YouTube channel that Manchester United intended to conduct additional checks with their own medical staff in the UK, following the initial examination in the US. He stressed that the deal was not yet fully closed or signed, and that the outcome of the English medical would determine Manchester United’s final decision.

Another journalist, Felipe Silva of ESPN Brasil, also reported that the operation for Ederson was stalled. These concerns over his medical tests have ultimately led Manchester United to pull the plug on the deal, as reported by Football Insider, which suggested the deal ‘could collapse’ due to doubts over his recent injury history and its potential impact.

Impact on Manchester United’s Plans

Manchester United are reportedly seeking to sign multiple new midfielders during the current transfer window. The club finished third in the Premier League, securing qualification for the Champions League, and are looking to strengthen their squad. INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, involved in the club’s operations, have reportedly been cautious about engaging in bidding wars for players this summer.

The club is set to announce the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea after he successfully passed a medical. However, the situation with Ederson proved more complex. With the Ederson deal now off, Manchester United are reportedly shifting their focus to other targets. One such target is Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes, according to Brazilian outlet GE Globo.

Manchester United had agreed a deal with Atalanta for Ederson, but the recent medical tests flagged an issue, leading to their decision not to proceed. The club is now exploring options to sign Gomes, potentially alongside Chelsea’s Andrey Santos. Gomes was previously close to a €45 million move to Atletico Madrid, but that deal fell through, attracting interest from other clubs, including Liverpool.

Manchester United have reportedly been long-term admirers of Gomes. His compatriot, Matheus Cunha, has praised the midfielder, comparing him to Casemiro. Manchester United are said to be looking for a player in a similar mould to the former Real Madrid star to bolster their midfield. Gomes has demonstrated his quality over the past three-and-a-half seasons in the Premier League. He could be available for around €45 million.