The move that would have taken the Brazilian midfielder to the Premier League for around €45m collapsed unexpectedly when United withdrew from the negotiation, triggering a rapid change of scenery within the space of a week.
Manchester United, who had reached an agreement with Atalanta at the end of last season, confirmed they would not be completing the transfer after the results of a second round of medical tests, without offering further detail on what had been found. It is understood a shift in the English club's broader recruitment strategy may also have played a role in the decision to walk away.
With the move off, Atalanta wasted no time reopening the door to their player. Head coach Maurizio Sarri made clear he wanted Ederson back as soon as possible following his post-World Cup break, particularly after the midfielder himself showed a willingness to return to training earlier than planned.
"Ederson will return to the squad. My worry was what state of mind the boy might be in staying here with us. Instead, Ederson has shown maturity and a great desire to stay: he will be a pillar of this Atalanta," Sarri had already said in a press conference before the deal was finalised.
Working under sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, Atalanta accelerated talks to extend Ederson's contract, and the agreement is now official, tying the Brazilian to the club until June 2031.
Atalanta's official statement read: "After four seasons wearing the nerazzurra shirt, marked by significant sporting achievements and a relationship of mutual satisfaction, Éderson José dos Santos Lourenço da Silva and Atalanta BC further strengthen their ties. The 27-year-old Brazilian midfielder has extended his contract with Atalanta BC."
The financial terms of the new deal see Ederson sign a five-year contract worth €3.2m per season plus bonuses, placing him among the club's highest earners and close to the salary received by Gianluca Scamacca.
He is considered off the market for the coming season to allow for a smoother transition for the new coaching staff, though Atalanta would reportedly consider any future offer above €60-65m, even if such a bid does not currently look likely. His willingness to stay is also underpinned by the absence of a release clause in his contract, leaving Atalanta with full control over any future transfer decision.
Since arriving in 2022-23, Ederson has made 180 appearances in all competitions for Atalanta, scoring 16 goals and providing six assists. He was one of the standout performers in the club's Europa League triumph on 22 May 2024, and his consistent high-level performances have also earned him a place in the Brazil national team, with whom he recently featured at the 2026 World Cup.