Barcelona wants a key Atalanta midfielder as the Catalan giants step up their planning for next season’s midfield rebuild.
With financial constraints limiting marquee spending, the sporting department is targeting smart-market opportunities where contract length, age profile, and resale potential align, and one standout from Serie A has moved close to the top of their list.
Liverpool’s parallel interest only raises the stakes, turning this into a cross-border tug-of-war that could define the summer window for both clubs.
The player in question is Ederson, Atalanta’s Brazilian midfield mainstay, whose performances in Bergamo have made him one of the most coveted midfielders in Italy, as reported by Caught Offside.
Under Gian Piero Gasperini, Ederson has surpassed 150 competitive appearances for Atalanta, showcasing a blend of tactical discipline, ball-winning, and forward running that fits both Premier League and La Liga demands.
His contract runs until 2027, but Atalanta are aware this is the ideal time to cash in while retaining leverage on a fee.
Reports indicate Barcelona and Liverpool are at the front of the queue, with Atalanta valuing Ederson around €45–50 million, a figure that could rise if a bidding war breaks out.
For Barcelona, that price poses a problem: with limited room under Financial Fair Play, they cannot match Premier League spending power and would likely need the player to actively push for a Camp Nou move to reduce the fee.
Ederson is also on a list of names proposed to Barcelona by intermediary André Cury, who has previously helped broker deals for South American stars.
Liverpool, meanwhile, views Ederson as an ideal fit for Arne Slot’s high-energy, pressing style and has been repeatedly linked with a summer approach.
Barcelona’s hope rests on Deco’s knowledge of the South American market and the club’s enduring appeal, but unless the Brazilian prioritises La Liga over the Premier League, the Catalans risk being priced out.
In the end, Ederson’s own preference may prove more decisive than any scouting report or tactical fit.
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