Ederson: Maurizio Sarri provides update on United target’s future | OneFootball

Manchester United’s pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson has turned out to be a complicated affair. The Red Devils entered the summer with plans to reinforce the middle of the park to mitigate Casemiro’s departure as a free agent at the end of last season.

The Brazilian played a starring role in the English giants’ march to third place in the Premier League table last season. INEOS quickly identified Ederson as a candidate to fill his compatriot’s boots at Old Trafford and even struck an agreement with the Serie A side.

The move was initially delayed due to the player’s involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Brazil’s early exit from the summer’s tournament brought the transfer back on track, only for United to perform a late U-turn and abandon the deal.

As relayed by The Peoples Person, the Red Devils had concerns about the player’s fitness during medicals and decided not to go ahead. The Premier League giants have since made a couple of additions to their midfield.

United have signed two midfielders this summer

The abrupt turn of events with the Ederson deal threatened to hamper United’s summer plans, but INEOS have done well to move on to alternative targets. The Red Devils signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea last week and have since welcomed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa as well.

With Manuel Ugarte expected to be sidelined for a while after picking up an ACL injury at the World Cup, the English giants remain in the market for further additions to the middle of the park. United are set to compete on four fronts next season, including the Champions League, and understandably want more cover in the squad.

The situation has seen the club linked with several midfielders at the moment, including AS Roma’s Manu Kone. However, a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person suggested that the door is not entirely closed on Ederson’s possible move to Old Trafford.

New Atalanta manager Maurizio Sarri has now provided an update on the Brazilian’s future.

Ederson firmly in Sarri’s plans

Speaking to the press, as cited by Il Messaggero, Sarri insisted that he has Ederson firmly in his plans, while the player is also eager to stay at Stadio di Bergamo. He said: “Scamacca has started an individual program to strengthen him and prevent possible injuries, but from him and Krstovic I expect many goals, even more than in the past.”

“Ederson will happily stay; I’ve spoken to him and he’s ready to come back early from vacation to be with us.”

Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has recently suggested that United are unlikely to return for Ederson this summer.

Ederson Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Final Thoughts

While INEOS’ official stance on Ederson remains unclear, it is true that United must sign at least one more midfielder before the end of the summer. For now, all eyes will be on the upcoming pre-season friendly against Wrexham, where Andrey Santos could make his first appearance for the Red Devils.

Featured image by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

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