Newcastle United are weighing up a January move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. The Toon Army has been decimated by injuries and suspensions in recent weeks, which has led to a drop in performance levels in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Ahead of their 2-0 loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League, those unavailable included Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak, Callum Wilson, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy and Sven Botman. To make matters worse, Miguel Almiron was replaced at the hour mark of the game with an injury of his own, while Fabian Schar has withdrawn from international duty due to a knock.
It leaves Newcastle United in a very bad situation with regards to the depth of the squad heading into a gruelling schedule that will include. Eddie Howe is looking to reinforce his team’s midfield unit in the winter transfer window following the 10-month ban of Sandro Tonali, and Atalanta’s Ederson is one of the players on his radar.
Ederson, 24, signed for Atalanta from Salernitana for around £18m in January 2022. The Brazilian has become a crucial cog in Gian Piero Gasperini’s midfield this season, contributing towards five goals in 12 Serie A appearances. The central midfielder’s performances have caught the attention of Newcastle, who could reportedly offer around €40 million to persuade Atalanta into selling their player in the January transfer window.
Ederson is on Newcastle United’s radar
Sandro Tonali will not be able to play again this season after his ban for breaching betting rules and Newcastle are actively looking for a replacement. They could return to the Serie A market for Tonali’s replacement, with Atalanta’s Ederson understood to be on the Magpies’ midfield wishlist.
Ederson has started the 2023/24 season very well, helping Atalanta to fifth in Serie A—only a point behind fourth-place Napoli. He is versatile in nature and can operate as a defensive midfielder as well as in a box-to-box role, and such flexibility could hugely benefit Newcastle. While the Brazilian’s attributes and playing style are completely different to that of Tonali, he could still be a top fit for Eddie Howe’s system at St James’ Park.
The 24-year-old has been productive in the final third and become a key figure in Gasperini’s offensive system at Atalanta. Ederson’s arrival could be a great boost for Howe’s side who are pushing to qualify for the Champions League next term.
Atalanta will listen to offers that are impossible to refuse, but will not entertain any proposal less than £35m. As things stand, the ball is in Newcastle’s court and they must start making early approaches for the Brazilian midfielder if they are genuinely interested in signing him.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
