Manchester United have not yet finalized the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson despite agreeing personal terms, with Fabrizio Romano explaining that the move is being held up by two major factors. United have already entered advanced discussions with Atalanta on a verbal basis and have put forward an offer of around €45 million, close to the Italian club’s €45 million to €50 million valuation. Ederson has reportedly given total priority to joining the Red Devils, and talks with the player are not the issue.
The delay, according to Romano, comes first from Manchester United’s internal decision-making. The club are still weighing whether to commit to Ederson or continue pursuing other midfield targets before making a final move. United are targeting multiple midfield additions this summer, with plans to strengthen the squad ahead of a return to the Champions League. The club want new signings who can make an immediate impact, and Ederson is one of several names under consideration rather than the sole focus of the recruitment team.
United’s list of midfield options includes Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, who is viewed as a dream target by INEOS, while Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni is also highly admired. There is also a strong appreciation for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, with Michael Carrick said to be eager to work with the Italy international. That broad interest means United may pause on Ederson while they assess whether a more ambitious target becomes available.
Romano also noted that United recently sent a delegation to Italy to discuss transfer plans, including incomings and departures. Ederson was part of those talks, but the deal has not reached the final stage because the club has yet to give a full internal green light. The player is understood to be waiting for United to decide whether to proceed.
A second obstacle lies with Atalanta’s own situation. The club are preparing for significant structural changes, with a new manager arriving and a new sporting director to be appointed. Until those roles are officially in place, Atalanta are unwilling to authorize major business, especially involving an important first-team player such as Ederson. That means even though conversations are ongoing, the Italian side are not ready to complete the transfer.
The situation leaves the door open but uncertain. United appear to be preparing multiple midfield options in parallel, which could allow them to act quickly if alternatives such as Anderson or Tchouameni do not become attainable. For now, Ederson remains a live target, but the transfer is stalled until Manchester United make a final decision and Atalanta resolve their leadership changes.
