Liverpool ‘Ready to Pay’ £51m to Sign Serie A Midfielder This Summer – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Eyeing Ederson as Midfield Reinforcement in €60m Summer Move

Liverpool are reportedly preparing a major summer swoop for Ederson, the Atalanta midfield dynamo who has caught the attention of Europe’s elite. As per a report by Tutto Atalanta, the Reds are ready to table a €60 million (£51 million) offer for the Brazilian international, with Premier League rivals Manchester United also circling.

This move could mark yet another statement of intent from Arne Slot’s side, who are currently 12 points clear at the summit of the Premier League. Despite possessing a technically gifted and hard-working midfield, Liverpool appear keen to strengthen further in a key area that often defines the intensity and consistency of a title-winning team.

Midfield Engine Room Identified for Upgrade

Ederson has become a cornerstone of Atalanta’s resurgence since joining in 2022. With 131 appearances to his name and 12 goals from a deep-lying role, the 25-year-old has evolved into one of Serie A’s most complete midfielders. His four goals and two assists in 41 appearances this season reflect both durability and consistent output.

Photo: IMAGO

As Tutto Atalanta states, Liverpool are “ready to knock on Atalanta’s door” with a significant offer, matching bids likely to be placed by other interested parties such as Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United.

There’s little doubt about the pedigree of the player. Former England manager Fabio Capello said, “Ederson is out of this world for his ability to combine running, physicality, technique and intelligence.” That blend is exactly what Premier League managers crave in a high-octane midfield battle, especially in the context of pressing systems and transitional play.

Strategic Fit at Anfield

Slot’s arrival has coincided with a subtle reimagining of Liverpool’s midfield. The likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have all impressed, but injuries and inconsistencies have occasionally left the Reds exposed.

Adding Ederson to that mix could provide balance—particularly in the No. 6 role, where the Brazilian’s physicality and tactical awareness can shield the back four while also supporting ball progression. With Wataru Endo turning 32 this year and expected to depart in the summer, a long-term solution in that area is crucial.

Importantly, Ederson isn’t just a destroyer. His distribution, work rate, and positioning make him a modern-day defensive midfielder tailored for the Premier League. While he may not rack up assists in the style of a Kevin De Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes, his ability to recover possession and launch counter-attacks is invaluable.

Photo: IMAGO

Atalanta Prepared for Summer Exit

Atalanta’s openness to selling their midfield star is telling. While they’re currently third in Serie A and chasing another Champions League berth, the club are reportedly planning ahead by identifying a replacement in Empoli’s Tino Anjorin.

According to Tutto Atalanta, “Atalanta are already looking at potential replacements for Ederson,” with Anjorin on their radar. The former Chelsea youth product has matured in Serie A after stints in Russia and the English lower leagues, making him a realistic option for the Bergamo side.

This signals that Atalanta are ready to cash in, and it’s no surprise given the £51m fee being discussed. For a player still under contract until 2027, it’s a deal that offers value for both sides—especially if Liverpool act decisively ahead of their rivals.

Photo: IMAGO

Transfer Battle Brewing

Manchester United’s interest could yet complicate matters. With the Red Devils also eager to reshape their squad under new co-ownership, midfield is a priority position. Atletico Madrid and Juventus, who both admire Ederson’s mix of grit and guile, could also rival Liverpool’s advances.

But with Champions League football all but secured and a squad already tailored to compete on multiple fronts, Liverpool might have the most attractive project. Add to that their aggressive transfer policy since Slot’s appointment, and it’s clear this is a pursuit with substance.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this feels like more than just another speculative rumour—it has legs. The midfield rebuild began last summer, but one can’t help but feel there’s still a missing piece. Ederson could be that puzzle-solver—strong, disciplined, and capable of dictating tempo from deep.

For all Mac Allister’s grace and Szoboszlai’s drive, Liverpool need a consistent ball-winner who thrives in chaos and is happy to do the dirty work. Ederson has shown he can do that in Serie A and on the European stage, helping Atalanta to Europa League glory.

A £51m move may seem hefty, but when compared to Declan Rice’s £105m or Moisés Caicedo’s £115m, it’s shrewd business. The Brazilian would bring much-needed steel and tactical intelligence to the base of Slot’s midfield.