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Éderson broke his silence this week for the first time since his proposed move to Manchester United fell through earlier this summer, saying he has no idea why the deal didn't go ahead.
United acted swiftly after last season concluded to strike agreements with Atalanta and the player, who was subsequently called up to Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad as a replacement for an injured player. This held up proceedings, but Éderson eventually underwent tests while still on US soil. A complete medical followed which, as reported by BBC Sport at the time, failed to ease initial "concerns" that had been raised.
Éderson seemed to check many of the right boxes—a tenacious, athletic defensive midfielder approaching the end of his Atalanta deal, which kept his market value relatively low. In the very same week his Manchester United transfer fell apart, the 27-year-old put pen to paper on a new Atalanta contract.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils smoothly completed the double acquisition of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. However, still in need of a more defensively-minded midfielder, United are now also pushing to sign Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba.
Ederson: I Don't Know What Changed
Reflecting on last month's drawn-out saga ahead of Atalanta's season opener in UEFA Conference League qualifying on Wednesday evening, Éderson told Italian reporters: "I honestly don't know what happened.
"I always had interest from other clubs, and I could've moved to another English side. The [medical] tests went fine, I don't know what changed. I've been at Atalanta for four years and have always played."
Éderson had sat out four games in the opening weeks of last season due to a meniscus injury. Nothing indicated he was currently dealing with a knee issue that forced United's hand, though perhaps the likelihood of such problems arising down the line was deemed too great a risk.
On his decision to swiftly commit to a new Atalanta deal, amid speculation that United could have rekindled their interest at a later stage, Éderson added: "I could've waited to see how things unfolded, but the strong relationship I have with the club convinced me to stay and sign a new deal."
Man Utd on Verge of Completing Ideal Midfield Rebuild
United needed three new arrivals to make up for last season's thin squad depth, the exit of Casemiro, and the long-term absence of Manuel Ugarte. In the second half of 2025–26, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo featured for almost every minute, a situation only made viable by the club's absence from other competitions. Ugarte was the sole first-team cover option available.
Once Baleba completes his move, United will have four strong candidates for the two starting midfield spots, along with promising academy product Tyler Fletcher.
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The strongest midfield pairing in 2026–27 will likely be some combination of Baleba, Tielemans, or Mainoo, depending on what each individual fixture demands. Santos serves as an ideal all-round, versatile backup capable of contributing across multiple roles.
There is still time remaining to address other areas of the squad before the transfer window closes. United would benefit from signing a left back to ease the burden on Luke Shaw, as well as a backup striker to support and provide cover for Benjamin Šeško.
Marcus Rashford's return to the fold should remove the necessity of bringing in a new left winger.