After missing out on Manchester United, he immediately scores; Atalanta responds to medical test results.

Only a few days after the transfer to Manchester United fell through due to physical issues, Ederson made his comeback and netted a goal, leading Atalanta to a comeback victory over Arezzo.

Ederson just made a return that could not have been more impressive while wearing the Atalanta jersey. The Brazilian midfielder needed only about a minute on the pitch to score, playing a key role in the 3-2 comeback victory over Arezzo in a friendly preparing for the 2026/27 season.

Atalanta had a shaky start, conceding goals to Arena and Illanes, allowing Arezzo to take a 2-0 lead just seven minutes in. Ibrahim Sulemana pulled one back in the 49th minute, before Ederson was brought on in the 63rd minute, replacing Lazar Samardzic.

Just one minute later, Daniel Maldini provided a convenient pass, and Ederson finished accurately into the low corner, leveling the score at 2-2. In the 71st minute, Nikola Krstovic headed in the decisive goal, completing the comeback for the Bergamo side.

Ederson's goal drew particular attention as it was his first match for Atalanta since returning from the 2026 World Cup. It also came less than three weeks after the deal taking the 27-year-old midfielder to Manchester United unexpectedly collapsed.

Earlier, United were reportedly said to have reached an agreement to sign Ederson for a fee of €40.5 million, potentially rising to €45 million based on performance. However, the Old Trafford club pulled out after additional medical tests in England due to concerns about the Brazilian player's right knee condition.

Ederson had undergone a meniscus arthroscopy in August 2025. Nevertheless, after recovery, he still played 3,169 minutes across all competitions last season, becoming the fourth-most used outfield player in the Atalanta squad. The Serie A side therefore did not share the level of concern raised by United.

Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli once spoke bluntly about the Red Devils' decision: “We were very surprised. Ederson is happy to stay at Atalanta and we are working on extending his contract.”

Atalanta quickly turned words into action by officially extending Ederson's contract on July 17. In the announcement, the Italian club called the Brazil international one of its technical leaders, while emphasizing his stability and ability to maintain match intensity over the past four seasons. Ederson has made 180 appearances, scored 16 goals, and played a major role in winning the 2023/24 Europa League.

A goal in a friendly match is naturally not enough to completely dismiss the professional evaluations from United's medical staff. However, the fact that Ederson returned, scored immediately after coming on, and just signed a new contract has become a powerful response from Atalanta. While the Red Devils have chosen a different path, the Bergamo club continues to place its faith in the player who almost became their first signing of the summer.