Transfer Centre

Liverpool to rival Newcastle United for Brazilian midfielder Ederson?

By Devesh Jaganath | 20 January 2024

Liverpool to rival Newcastle for Ederson?

Liverpool are reportedly interested in a potential move for Atalanta BC midfielder Ederson, but could face competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

Liverpool are reportedly interested in a potential move for Atalanta BC midfielder Ederson, but they could face competition from Newcastle United, who are also believed to be keeping an eye on the Brazilian.

Ederson joined Salernitana in January 2022, but his stint at the club lasted just six months before he made the move to Atalanta in July of the same year.

The 24-year-old has been a key figure in Gian Piero Gasperini's side and has notched up six goals and an assist in 27 appearances so far.

According to Italian news outlet La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Liverpool have now joined the likes of Newcastle, Barcelona and Manchester United in a race to sign the Brazilan in the current transfer window.

Atalanta's Ederson celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on September 21, 2023 © Reuters

However, the report adds that a summer move seems a more likely outcome and mentions that any deal for the player would cost the interested party in the region of £32m.

It is understood that Atalanta are not keen on parting ways with Ederson, with Teun Koopmeiners strongly linked with a move to Juventus this month.

Liverpool made significant investments in their midfield last summer, with the additions of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to the squad.

Calciomercato recently reported that the Reds are looking to reinforce their midfield further this month and have also been keeping tabs on Shakhtar Donetsk's defensive midfielder Georgiy Sudakov.

Ederson has the ability to function in either a defensive capacity or a more advanced role, offering versatile coverage across multiple positions for the Liverpool squad.

Atalanta's Ademola Lookman celebrates scoring their first goal with Hans Hateboer and Ederson on November 13, 2022 © Reuters

The Brazilian's playing style is defined by his expansive passing range, reminiscent of the creative capabilities displayed by Liverpool's vice-captain, Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Newcastle are believed to be in the market for a central midfielder as well, with Sandro Tonali currently serving a ban for betting-related offences.

In addition, the Magpies are set to be without the services of Joelinton, who is likely to miss the remainder of the reason after picking up a thigh injury in their 3-0 win over rivals Sunderland in the FA Cup earlier this month.

Liverpool, on the other hand, are sweating over the fitness of Mohamed Salah, who sustained an injury for Egypt in their 2-2 draw with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday evening.

The Reds currently lead the Premier League with 45 points after 20 games and will return to league action on Sunday when they head to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth.