Atalanta midfielder Ederson has explained that he 'doesn't know what happened' regarding his failed move to Manchester United this summer. Well ahead of the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, the 27-year-old was on the verge of arriving as the Reds' first signing of the summer.
United had been long-time admirers of Ederson, and had planned to utilise him as a straight replacement for an outgoing Casemiro, who left the club as a free agent at the end of the season. After weeks of negotiations, a £39million price tag was agreed for the Brazilian, who headed to Greater Manchester to undergo what was meant to be a routine medical.
Medical concerns derail move
However, during examinations, it emerged that Ederson was carrying a knee injury significant enough for the Reds to pull the plug on their swoop. As a result, the midfielder returned to Atalanta, where he was handed a fresh contract which runs through until 2031 - committing practically the rest of his career to the Serie A club.
Speaking ahead of Atalanta's Europa Conference League play-off clash with Hapoel Tel Aviv, which is set to take place on Thursday, he said: "I honestly don't know what happened.
"I always had interest from other clubs, and I could've gone to another English side. The tests went well, I don't know what changed.
"I've been with Atalanta for four years and always played. I could've just waited to see what happened, but the great rapport with the club convinced me to stay and sign a new contract."
United turn to alternatives
It comes as United were quick to target and secure other options for their engine room in the days following Ederson's failed move. The Reds first snapped up Tielemans in a £35m agreement with Aston Villa, following a stellar season with the Midlands club which saw them secure a fourth-place Premier League finish.
They then announced the £52m signing of Santos from Chelsea, ensuring plenty of variation in the heart of midfield for the coming season.
However, it appears as though United are still on the lookout for at least one more addition in the position, reigniting their interest in Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba. The club were linked with the 23-year-old for the majority of last summer's window, only for a £100m price tag to deter any concrete move. While the Cameroonian is currently harbouring a minor ankle ligament injury, United have now submitted a £65m offer, with hopes of finally landing the up and coming talent at a cut price.
