Premier League holders Manchester City have reportedly identified Atalanta midfielder Ederson as a competent backup for the injured Rodri. Pep Guardiola’s side are set to increase their efforts to complete the deal in January.
Manchester City lost Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri to a brutal Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on September 22, 2024. Over the next month, the Cityzens did well to cope with the Spaniard’s absence, with Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic sharing the workload. Between September 25 and October 26, Man City played seven matches, winning six and drawing one.
Since the end of October, Manchester City has been in a slump, and there does not seem to be an end in sight. The defending English champions have played nine games over the last one-and-a-half months, losing six, drawing two, and winning just one.
Manchester City Wants Ederson, Liverpool Lurks
The lack of poise in midfield has been hurting Manchester City since Rodri’s dismissal. And according to CaughtOffside, Guardiola is eyeing a solution in the January transfer window. Atalanta midfielder Ederson has emerged as their top target for the winter window, but they are not the only team interested in the 25-year-old midfielder. Premier League leaders Liverpool are also keeping tabs on the talented midfielder, which could compel City to step up their pursuit and get the deal done in January.
🇧🇷 Éderson (25) celebrates 100 appearances with Atalanta! 💙🖤 pic.twitter.com/XcSsKvdSUn
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 5, 2024
Atalanta has been flying high this season, climbing to the top of the Serie A rankings and sitting in fifth place in the UEFA Champions League standings. Brazilian midfielder Ederson has been key to their campaign. So, it is safe to say that Atalanta will not make it easy for any potential owner to sign him.
As per CaughtOffside, Atalanta could ask for around €60 million ($63.2 million) for Ederson, which is steep for a winter transfer. However, considering how much Man City have struggled without a natural backup for Rodri, they may not hesitate to foot the bill. Ederson is reportedly flattered by City’s interest, suggesting he could green-light the move for the right price.
Ederson has played 110 matches since joining from Salernitana in July 2022. He has scored 10 times and provided three assists in all competitions, helping the club win one UEFA Europa League trophy.
