Ederson: ‘I don’t know what changed’ after Man Utd transfer collapse

Ederson has broken his silence on the collapse of his proposed move to Manchester United, insisting he “doesn’t know what changed” after passing his medical tests before the deal was scrapped. The Atalanta midfielder has since signed a new contract in Bergamo, ending any prospect of a switch to Old Trafford this summer.

The 27-year-old Brazilian had been closing in on what would have been Michael Carrick’s first signing since taking permanent charge of United, with reports putting the agreed fee somewhere between £35million and £39million. Terms were understood to have been struck with Atalanta before the transfer fell apart.

“I honestly don’t know what happened. I always had interest from other clubs, and I could’ve gone to another English side,” Ederson said. “The tests went well, I don’t know what changed. I’ve been with Atalanta for four years and always played.”

“I could’ve just waited to see what happened, but the great rapport with the club convinced me to stay and sign a new contract. I am very happy to remain with Atalanta, I really thank the club and [chief executive] Luca Percassi,” he added.

Knee concern derailed the switch

United had reportedly flagged concerns over the midfielder’s knee and general fitness levels during the medical process, which was complicated by his involvement with Brazil at this summer’s World Cup. Part of the examination was carried out in the United States, where Ederson was on international duty as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

Ederson played a bit-part role as Brazil were beaten 2-1 by Norway in the last 16 of the tournament. Once he returned from international duty, United arranged a fuller medical examination, after which the Premier League club decided against completing the transfer despite having already agreed personal terms.

With just a year left on his previous Atalanta deal, the Serie A club had been braced for a cut-price departure. Instead, Ederson has now committed his long-term future to the Italian side ahead of the new campaign.

United switch focus elsewhere

Having pulled out of the Ederson deal, United turned their attention to other midfield targets. The club have since brought in Andrey Santos from Chelsea for a reported £48million and Youri Tielemans for around £35million, strengthening the middle of the park under Carrick.

There have also been reports of United closing in on Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, with personal terms said to have been agreed on a deal worth in the region of £65million. The Cameroon international has long been on United’s radar as they continue to reshape their midfield options.

Read more: Carrick admits ‘no excuses’ as Man Utd end pre-season with Milan defeat

Sources

• The Mirror
• Evening Standard

This is an independent report written from the facts across the sources named above.