Newcastle United are reportedly in contact with the representatives of Atalanta enforcer Ederson, who could cost them in the region of €60 million this January.
According to Premier League Brasil, Newcastle United are planning to launch a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson as Eddie Howe scours the market for midfield reinforcements. But the Italian outfit’s €60 million valuation could be a hindrance amid Financial Fair Play concerns.
Newcastle United Desperately Need a Midfielder
A recent injury to Joelinton, the continued absence of injured pair Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson, as well as Sandro Tonali’s ongoing ban for gambling-related offences, have left Newcastle United a touch light in the centre of the park.
As such, the Magpies are in the market for a defensive midfielder but have been frustrated in their attempts to lure Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City. And it seems that they could once again turn to Serie A in their efforts to bolster Eddie Howe’s midfield ranks, with rumoured interest in Atalanta’s Ederson.
Newcastle United Want Ederson: Here’s Why
The 24-year-old joined La Dea from league rivals Salernitana in a £16 million move during the summer of 2022 and enjoyed a successful first season at the Gewiss Stadium as Gian Piero Gasperini’s side secured qualification for the Europa League with a fifth-place finish.
Ederson has continued to impress with five goals and one assist in 26 appearances in all competitions so far this season, as Atalanta sit just outside of the European places and are in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.
The Magpies have ramped up their interest in the player by sending chief scout Steve Nickson to scout him during Atalanta’s Serie A game against Frosinone on Monday. Ederson will have impressed Nickson, as he got on the scoresheet during a 5-0 home victory for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
The former Corinthians man was one of the best on the pitch, and Nickson appears to have given a move for Ederson the green light. Newcastle United have also contacted his entourage. Atalanta, for their part, have no intention of sanctioning his exit this month and would rather wait until the summer, when they would have a greater opportunity to find a suitable successor.
The source adds that the Brazilian could cost around €60 million in this January transfer window, which may be an issue for Newcastle United as they have very little wiggle room under pressure from Financial Fair Play.
The Brazilian midfield enforcer himself is keen on a move to Newcastle and views a transfer to the Premier League as attractive in terms of his prospects of becoming a mainstay in the Brazilian national team. While money may be tight this window, Ederson could be a player they revisit when the summer transfer window rolls around.
