Richard Hughes can't miss bargain £26m deal for spectacular Brazil midfielder

Liverpool will have a big opportunity to add a spectacular midfielder in the summer transfer window.

With the futures of Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo under immediate doubt a spot looks set to open up for a new option in midfield.

The Reds have been relying on the same cast of midfielders for the last couple of seasons and the time has come for renewal.

Following the club’s elimination from the Europa League by eventual winners Atalanta back in 2024 it was reported that Reds recruiters were impressed by Ederson.

The 26-year-old Brazil international is still with La Dea - but with a contract expiring in 2027 it looks like the Serie A side will cash in this summer.

'Spectacular' Ederson available at £26m

A report in Tutto Mercato Web states that Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are the latest teams in the frame for Ederson.

But Richard Hughes can’t miss a deal for one of Europe’s most “spectacular” midfielders - as described by the player’s agent Andre Cury.

Particularly as he will be available at a stunning discount. Previously valued at between £52m and £60m it looks like Atalanta would be willing to do a deal for around half of that - £26m.

“The valuation is falling,” the report reads.

“Last summer, Atalanta's starting asking price was between €60 and €70 million. A high figure, but justified by the player's quality, his young age, his multi-year contract, and a performance that had put him on the radar of Europe's biggest clubs.

“A year later, that figure is no longer sustainable. The valuation starts at least €30 million: half, or even less, than it was twelve months ago.”

Ederson: Situation summary

Ederson is a key starter for Atalanta, but his medium‑term future is uncertain due to contract and transfer dynamics.

Role and form

Ederson has developed into one of Atalanta’s most important midfielders, trusted in a high‑intensity, box‑to‑box role and regularly starting in Serie A and the Champions League. He is viewed as a physically strong, tactically disciplined presence who contributes in and out of possession, which is why Atalanta have repeatedly resisted offers from major clubs over the last two seasons.

Contract and injuries

His contract with Atalanta runs to June 2027, putting the club under some pressure to either renew or sell before his value declines. In late summer 2025 he suffered a meniscus problem that kept him out for several weeks at the start of the 2025‑26 season, but this was treated as a medium‑term setback rather than a long‑term issue.

Transfer and future

Multiple top sides, including Inter, Manchester United and Premier League clubs, have explored a deal, with Atalanta historically valuing him around the €60m mark. However, his agent has publicly refused renewal talks and suggested his effective price is now closer to €30‑40m, increasing the likelihood that Atalanta will consider a sale before 2027 if no extension is agreed.

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