Liverpool Open Contact with Atalanta Over £50m Midfielder Transfer This Summer | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Midfield Evolution Continues with Interest in Ederson

Liverpool’s rebuild under Arne Slot is starting to take shape. With Jeremie Frimpong already through the door as a direct replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool are now turning their attention to midfield, and specifically to Ederson of Atalanta, according to a report from Tutto Atalanta.

The report claims that “Liverpool have burst into the race for central midfielder Ederson and are providing the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle United and Barcelona with competition for his services.”

Contact Made as Reds Press Ahead

With the Brazilian midfielder becoming increasingly admired across Europe, Tutto Atalanta state that “Liverpool have joined those clubs by ‘starting contact’ with Atalanta for the star.” It’s a move that reflects the club’s intent to secure a high-quality, versatile option who can operate either as a deep-lying pivot or more advanced as a No. 8.

Photo: IMAGO

While Ederson has yet to publicly push for an exit, the report notes he’s “unwilling to renew his contract”, which runs until 2027,  prompting Atalanta to explore a potential sale this summer. The Italian club reportedly want €60 million (£51 million), a significant mark-up from the €23 million they paid Salernitana in 2022.

Slot’s System and Squad Strategy

Ederson’s arrival would further equip Arne Slot with tactical flexibility. His physicality, tactical awareness and experience in Serie A and European competition offer Slot the type of midfield profile that was often missing during the transitional stages of last season.

With Liverpool needing depth and balance in midfield, Ederson’s ability to switch between roles offers real value. His performances in Atalanta’s run to European qualification haven’t gone unnoticed, and at 25, he represents a player entering his prime.

United and Barcelona Among Interested Clubs

Manchester United, Barcelona and Newcastle are all circling, but Liverpool’s position is strengthened by their guaranteed participation in the Champions League – something United cannot offer after their Europa League final loss to Tottenham.

Tutto Atalanta describe Ederson as a player of serious potential, adding that “Ederson seems open to taking the next step in his career and testing himself out against the very best, with Liverpool ready to offer exactly that.”

Photo: IMAGO

Fabio Capello has labelled Ederson “out of this world,” and Ruben Amorim has personally endorsed his signing for United, but the direction of travel seems to favour Anfield.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Ederson feels like a proper addition for Liverpool, one we’ve been crying out for since the departure of Fabinho and the inconsistent form of others in that deeper midfield role. After missing out on Zubimendi last summer, this feels like the club getting it right at the second time of asking.

Ederson ticks the boxes: strong on the ball, composed under pressure, and tactically intelligent. Slot wants players who can adapt across roles, and Ederson offers that blend of versatility and bite we’ve been lacking in big games.

The fact he’s open to the move, and reportedly unwilling to extend at Atalanta, puts us in a strong position. And let’s be honest, any time we beat United to a signing, especially one their new manager publicly wanted, it’s a win before he’s even kicked a ball.

Atalanta will want a big fee, but if we’re serious about challenging across all fronts again, Ederson at £51m is exactly the kind of calculated investment we need. Add that to the expected arrival of Wirtz, and the Frimpong deal already done, and it feels like we’re finally building a squad capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone in Europe again.