Atletico Madrid looks to have stolen a march on several European heavyweights in the race for one of Serie A’s standout midfielders, closing in on a deal that will reshape Diego Simeone’s engine room next season.
Diego Simeone’s side are having a decent season, having beat Barcelona in the Copa Del Ray semi-finals and are looking like favourites to beat Tottenham Hotspur in their round of 16 clash this month.
They have also been busy in the transfer market, having held talks for Antoine Griezmann to join Orlando City in the summer window.
Now it seems they are pushing forward with incomings. TuttoAtalanta has reported that the Spanish giants are close to tying up a deal for former Liverpool target and Atalanta midfielder Ederson. It is claimed that Ateltico have now reached a preliminary agreement with Ederson ahead of a summer switch, after the Brazilian informed Atalanta he would not be renewing a contract that runs to 2027.
With Atalanta more open to a sale and their valuation dropping into the €30–40m range as the clock ticks down on his deal, the expectation is that Atletico will finalise terms with the Serie A club in the coming weeks, with a long‑term contract in Madrid on the table for the former Liverpool target.
Ederson entered Liverpool’s orbit in 2024 after a strong season that saw Atalanta win the Europa League. Fabrizio Romano even confirmed that the Reds had made contact with the Brazilian’s agents at the time.
For Liverpool, Ederson slipping away to Atletico only sharpens the focus on what comes next in midfield. With Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai both attracting admiring glances from Real Madrid, there situations will have to be sorted out soon as the Anfield club stares down another potential midfield cycle.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.