Why Kone may prove a better fit for Manchester United than Ederson

In partnership with

OffsAIde

·12 July 2026

Why Kone may prove a better fit for Manchester United than Ederson

Manchester United’s midfield reset has taken an abrupt turn, with Ederson no longer bound for Old Trafford and Manu Koné now in focus.

According to Football Italia, a €45m agreement with Atalanta had been in place since June, awaiting the end of Brazil’s World Cup. United then requested extra medical checks and subsequently walked away.

OneFootball Videos

Within days, Roma’s Koné moved to the top of their shortlist. On Saturday, United are understood to have been told he wants to test himself in the Premier League, and Roma would sell for over €50m as they look to satisfy UEFA’s financial rules despite qualifying for the Champions League.

Atalanta maintain Ederson is fully fit and believe United simply changed their minds.

The question now is what United would gain with Koné, and what they have given up in Ederson.

Source: Football Italia