A failed medical derailed the Brazilian’s move to Old Trafford, leaving Bergamo officials reeling while the Red Devils pivot toward midfield alternatives and potential transfer window reunions.
It's been a busy week for Manchester United. After Atalanta's Édserson transfer was all but confirmed, the Reds unexpectedly pulled out of the move following an extensive medical.
The midfielder's transfer seemed a certainty after an impressive four seasons in Bergamo. United were ready to pull the trigger on Éderson.
It was reported that the United medical team spotted an issue with Éderson's meniscus in his leg, which, after extensive medical tests, led the Reds to abandon the transfer following his international duties with Brazil.
After Éderson returned to Atalanta, the Serie A club offered him a new contract and issued a statement expressing its shock at the outcome of the deal.
Atalanta 'stunned' by U-turn
The 27-year-old midfielder has been in impressive form of late and has caught the attention of top European clubs, not just United. Newcastle are reportedly in for the Brazilian now, but this may change after his contract decision.
Football Italia has reported that Atalanta are expected to retain the midfielder after he returns from international duties, and that ‘he [Éderson] is happy to remain, so we’re working on a new contract.’
The Serie A club has also expressed its shock at United's reason for the deal collapsing, as director of sport Cristiano Guintoli conveyed in a press conference following the failed transfer, “We were stunned".
Éderson was expected to be the first midfield signing following news that United are looking to overhaul the midfield this summer transfer window, but the Reds have turned their attention to Chelsea's Andrey Santos and have officially announced him since.
The Reds have also reportedly secured a deal to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for a bargain fee of £35 million following the release clause included in his contract.
United have moved swiftly to pursue alternatives following Éderson's failed transfer, but this may not be the end of the saga.
United open to revisiting transfer
Despite the unexpected failure of this transfer, reports suggest United may be open to revisiting it later in the window.
This would likely be the case if Chritspher Vivell and his recruitment team fail to secure other, possibly more desirable signings.
RomaPress has reported that United are in pursuit of Kouadio Koné, which seems to be the favoured third and possibly final signing for the midfield overhaul.
Koné's price tag is £70 million, which United refused to pay for previous targets Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali before Tottenham Hotspur picked them up.
Therefore, if a potential deal for Koné is not possible, United may pursue Éderson again to bolster the midfield, but may be asked to pay a higher price.
