Manchester United’s pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson has reportedly collapsed, despite an initial agreement between the clubs and the player. The news, broken by Djameel (X) and corroborated by Fabrizio Romano and Santi Aouna, marks another significant setback for the Red Devils in a challenging transfer window.

United had reportedly agreed a deal worth £38 million, including add-ons, with Serie A side Atalanta for the Brazil international. Ederson, who is currently representing his country at the World Cup, had also reportedly agreed to a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with a medical and other formalities expected to take place after the tournament concludes.

However, reports now indicate that the move will not proceed. This development contradicts Manchester United’s official stance, with GIVEMESPORT correspondent Sam Cohen (X) reporting that the club still intends to go ahead with the deal for the 24-year-old.

United’s urgent midfield search

The reported collapse comes at a critical time for Manchester United, who are actively seeking to reinforce their midfield options. The club had aimed to add up to three new midfielders this summer, a necessity following the departure of Casemiro and a serious knee injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte.

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Ederson was identified as a key target to bolster the squad, but his reported unavailability adds to a growing list of missed opportunities for United in the current window.

Missed targets compound transfer frustrations

The Old Trafford club has already seen several other midfield targets slip through their grasp. Elliot Anderson, who was reportedly United’s top target for the window, instead joined local rivals Manchester City from Nottingham Forest in a substantial £116 million deal.

Similarly, Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham was also on United’s radar. However, Tottenham Hotspur successfully secured the 21-year-old’s services, agreeing to pay a fixed fee of £85 million.

The reported failure to secure Ederson, alongside missing out on Anderson and Fernandes, highlights a difficult period for Manchester United’s recruitment team as they strive to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.

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