Atalanta Transfer Market: Ederson’s Surprise Move—The Twist That Takes Maurizio Sarri by Surprise
Atalanta Transfer News: Ederson’s move to Manchester United seemed like a deal that had already been finalized down to the last detail. The only thing that delayed the official announcement by a few weeks was the midfielder’s last-minute call-up to the 2026 World Cup, following Wesley’s injury. In the meantime, after Brazil’s elimination and two brief appearances against Haiti and Norway, an incredible turnaround took place. And now, Atalanta’s transfer plans are in danger of being suddenly upended.
As confirmed by ‘Sky Sport’ on Friday evening, Manchester United has decided to pull out of the deal to sign Ederson. This decision came after the second and final part of the midfielder’s medical exams, at the conclusion of which the Red Devils did not deem him fit enough to justify the deal. As a reminder, the deal called for a payment to Atalanta of 45 million plus an additional 3 in bonuses. These funds will now be missing from Atalanta’s budget; after signing Gianluca Gaetano, the club had been aiming to provide new manager Maurizio Sarri with further reinforcements in midfield and beyond.
This twist is all the more sensational considering that, until just a few weeks ago, Ederson was regarded as one of the most sought-after players on the entire summer transfer market. As early as May, a veritable line of suitors had formed to pry him away from Atalanta: in addition to Manchester United, Simeone’s Atlético Madrid had also expressed concrete interest, drawn by the defensive midfield qualities of the Brazilian born in 1999. Atalanta, backed by a valuation of at least 50 million euros, seemed poised to cash in on a record-breaking fee for a player whose contract was set to expire in 2027, with no prospect of renewal on the horizon.
It should also be noted, however, that Ederson had finished the 2025–2026 season in top form, proving decisive even in big matches: it was he who opened the scoring in the resounding 3-2 victory over Milan at San Siro in May, before providing the assist for Raspadori’s third goal on a night that showcased all his qualities in terms of positioning and vision.
The failed deal with the Red Devils now forces the Bergamo club’s management to rethink its strategies. The Gaetano deal, already initiated with Cagliari and facilitated by the good relations between the two clubs—consolidated by the Marco Palestra situation—remains on the table and currently represents the only signing already in the works for Sarri’s midfield. The versatile player from Campania, capable of playing both as an attacking midfielder and a playmaker, had been identified precisely as a reinforcement that fits the new coach’s playing philosophy, which aims to build fluid, high-quality play. But without the proceeds from Ederson’s transfer, Atalanta will inevitably have to revise its plans, carefully evaluating whether and how to make a move for additional signings.
