Liverpool Consider Summer Bid for £51m Atalanta Midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool Line Up Move for Atalanta Midfielder Amid Premier League Interest

The relentless engine room of Liverpool’s midfield may yet receive another upgrade. As Arne Slot prepares for his first full summer transfer window at the helm, reports from Italy suggest that the Premier League leaders are preparing a formal move for Ederson, the Brazilian dynamo currently anchoring Atalanta’s midfield.

According to TuttoAtalanta, the Serie A side are open to offers for the 25-year-old despite being in the hunt for Champions League qualification. Sitting third in the league and buoyed by a Europa League title last season, Atalanta appear ready to cash in on one of their standout performers, with a fee of around €60million (£51m) expected.

Midfield Engine That Drives Atalanta

Since joining Atalanta in 2022, Ederson has quietly become one of the most complete midfielders in Italy. Known for his physicality, tactical awareness and stamina, the Brazil international has made 131 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists in the process. This season alone, he has already contributed four goals and two assists in 41 appearances — but his influence extends far beyond statistics.

Fabio Capello perhaps captured it best when, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he said: “Ederson is out of this world for his ability to combine running, physicality, technique and intelligence.”

Photo: IMAGO

His performances have drawn interest not only from Liverpool, but also from Manchester United, Juventus and Atletico Madrid. The Premier League, however, appears to be his preferred destination.

Premier League Desire Fuels Transfer Momentum

TEAMtalk reports that Ederson is open to making the move to England’s top flight, with a source stating he “desires to play in the Premier League but does not have a preferred destination in terms of a specific club”. This flexibility bodes well for Liverpool, who are “ready to knock on Atalanta’s door” and potentially fend off domestic and European competition for his signature.

Rudy Galetti, TEAMtalk’s Italian football correspondent, revealed in February that Manchester City and Manchester United were tracking the midfielder. But Liverpool’s need — and positioning at the top of the table — could offer both opportunity and appeal.

Liverpool’s Midfield Puzzle

Slot has already inherited a dynamic midfield, featuring Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch. But as Liverpool prepare for a new era post-Jürgen Klopp, adding depth and versatility remains crucial. Ederson would not only offer insurance in defensive phases but also provide the kind of physical presence needed in a long, gruelling campaign.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold set to depart for Real Madrid and uncertainty surrounding Federico Chiesa’s involvement, Liverpool’s recruitment team has no room for sentiment. Summer 2025 must be sharp and strategic.

Photo: IMAGO

Atalanta, for their part, are already planning for life after Ederson, with reports linking them to former Chelsea youngster Tino Anjorin, now of Empoli, as a potential replacement.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool, this move feels right — and timely. Ederson has quietly developed into one of the most balanced midfielders in Europe. He’s industrious, reads the game well, and has the kind of physical profile Premier League sides often struggle to contain. In truth, his style evokes shades of Gini Wijnaldum — unflashy, consistent, and vital.

While Mac Allister and Szoboszlai provide flair and forward thrust, Ederson could become the glue. The kind of player who mops up in midfield and protects the back line, allowing others to shine. With Fabinho long gone and Thiago’s influence waning, there’s a space in the squad that Ederson could step into seamlessly.

Some might baulk at the €60m price tag, but in this market, for a 25-year-old in his prime, it’s the going rate. The fact that Juventus, Atletico and both Manchester clubs are circling speaks volumes.

If this is Slot’s first major midfield signing, it’s a smart one — blending proven European quality with untapped Premier League potential. All that remains is to get the deal done before someone else does.