“Ready to Move” – Liverpool Scouting ‘Exciting’ £50m Midfielder Ahead of Potential Transfer | OneFootball

Ederson: A £50m Midfielder Liverpool Could Target for 2025

Liverpool’s search for midfield reinforcements continues, with recent reports indicating that Brazilian midfielder Ederson is ready for a move to the Premier League. While Liverpool fans were left disappointed in their pursuit of Martin Zubimendi this past summer, there is now renewed hope. TBR Football has revealed that scouts from Liverpool were present at Atalanta’s 3-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, closely monitoring Ederson. As the club looks to strengthen its midfield, Ederson is emerging as a key target.

Ederson’s Premier League Ambition

Ederson, valued at around £50m, is reportedly keen on a switch to England, which will no doubt ignite competition from other Premier League sides. Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Liverpool all had representatives in Germany to witness his performance during Atalanta’s commanding victory. However, it wasn’t just Ederson who caught the eye that night, as Ademola Lookman, the former Everton winger, also stood out with a commanding display.

Photo: IMAGO

While Lookman’s performance was impressive, it is Ederson’s versatility and dynamism that have long made him an attractive proposition for Premier League clubs. TBR Football noted, “The Brazilian is essentially capable of playing in all midfield roles,” and it’s easy to see why Liverpool’s scouts have been keeping a close eye on him. At just 25, and already with two caps for Brazil, he represents both a player for the present and the future.

Liverpool’s Midfield Needs Post-Zubimendi

Liverpool manager Arne Slot had his eyes on Martin Zubimendi to anchor his midfield this past summer. However, the Spaniard decided to stay at Real Sociedad, leaving a gap in Slot’s vision for the club’s future. Despite the disappointment, Zubimendi’s decision has been beneficial for Ryan Gravenberch, who has shone in Liverpool’s midfield. Still, Liverpool’s interest in further strengthening their squad has not waned.

TBR Football has indicated that “Liverpool have retained their interest in Ederson since the summer and will continue to monitor the midfielder.” It’s clear that the club sees the Brazilian as a potential alternative to Zubimendi. His ability to fill multiple roles in the midfield would give Slot the flexibility he desires as he looks to continue his project at Anfield.

With Premier League giants like Manchester City also monitoring Ederson, Liverpool may have a battle on their hands to secure his signature. But his preference for a move to England in 2025 presents a real opportunity for the Reds to swoop in.

Photo: IMAGO

The £50m Dilemma

While Ederson’s £50m price tag is hefty, it reflects his growing status in European football. As Atalanta’s central engine, he has consistently shown his quality in Serie A and now in the Champions League. For Liverpool, who will need depth and quality to compete in multiple competitions, a player of Ederson’s calibre might be worth the investment. The midfield was a key area of focus during the summer, and while the club did make significant additions, the Zubimendi-shaped hole still lingers.

As the January window approaches, Liverpool will need to weigh up whether Ederson is worth the financial outlay, particularly with competition from clubs like Newcastle and Manchester City likely to drive up his price. However, his Premier League preference should give Liverpool an edge if they can move swiftly.

Ederson: A Midfield Evolution for Liverpool?

In Ederson, Liverpool would not just be acquiring a talented midfielder but one who can grow into the system Slot is building. His tactical flexibility could offer solutions in various formations and positions, making him a valuable asset in what has become an ever-changing football landscape. Whether as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box dynamo, or even further forward, Ederson has the qualities that Liverpool need to compete at the highest level.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index

Ederson’s Versatility Across Midfield Roles

Ederson’s recent performance data, as highlighted in the radar chart from Fbref, underscores his value as a versatile midfielder. Spanning 3,900 minutes over the last 365 days, Ederson’s contributions cover attacking, possession, and defensive metrics, reflecting his all-round game. His attacking stats, particularly the non-penalty xG (62nd percentile) and non-penalty goals (71st percentile), show his ability to contribute meaningfully to the scoreline. Additionally, his expected assisted goals (xAG) and shot-creating actions (50th percentile) indicate that Ederson is equally capable of setting up chances as he is at finishing them.

Impressive Possession Metrics

Ederson’s possession-based stats highlight his comfort in controlling the tempo of a game. The radar chart shows that he ranks in the 80th percentile for progressive passes and 60th for progressive carries, indicating his effectiveness in moving the ball forward. His pass completion rate (55th percentile) might not be elite, but combined with his high progressive metrics, it suggests he often attempts more difficult passes. His ability to maintain possession and execute attacking transitions makes him a pivotal figure in midfield.

Defensive Reliability and Work Rate

On the defensive front, Ederson shows remarkable consistency. His tackles plus interceptions (Tkl+Int) stat is in the 61st percentile, while his aerial duels (76th percentile) and percentage of dribblers tackled (95th percentile) highlight his strength in one-on-one defensive situations. This level of tenacity ensures that he can contribute significantly to his team’s defensive solidity, making him an all-action midfielder capable of thriving in multiple roles.

In conclusion, Ederson’s stats illustrate why Premier League clubs are vying for his services. His balance of attacking, possession, and defensive contributions would make him an invaluable asset for any top side.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans should be excited about the prospect of Ederson joining Anfield. After the heartbreak of missing out on Martin Zubimendi, Ederson’s willingness to move to the Premier League in 2025 feels like a much-needed boost. His ability to play across multiple midfield positions would bring versatility, and his experience in Europe’s top competitions makes him an ideal fit for a Liverpool side that is always looking to challenge on all fronts.

Gravenberch’s rise has been a revelation, but adding someone like Ederson would take the midfield to another level. Imagine the fluidity and creativity in a midfield trio of Gravenberch, Ederson, and Alexis Mac Allister. This would give Slot the tools to dominate possession, break down stubborn defences, and control games in the Premier League and Europe.

Fans will also relish the thought of getting one over Manchester City and Tottenham, who are also reportedly interested in Ederson. Securing his signature ahead of their rivals would be a statement of intent as Liverpool continue their rebuild under Slot. If the club can make this happen, the future looks incredibly bright for Liverpool’s midfield.