Liverpool are now set to make a bid to sign a Brazilian player – amid reports the Reds are already close to agreeing personal terms with the South American.
Arne Slot is aiming to push Liverpool one step further in 2024/25 – after a promising 2023/24 campaign under Jurgen Klopp eventually saw the Reds run out of steam and fail to win anything.
The Dutchman and Michael Edwards appear to believe the recruitment process should start with a new defensive midfielder – with a bid now being prepared…
Liverpool prepare Ederson bid
A story from Caught Offside now claims that Liverpool are preparing a bid to sign Atalanta No.13 Ederson.
The Brazil international enjoyed a truly exceptional 2023/24 campaign in Bergamo, making 53 appearances in all competitions as Atalanta finished fourth in Serie A and also won the UEFA Europa League.
Ederson was particularly outstanding against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final, helping Atalanta record a 3-0 win as Eurosport Italy branded his display a “truly sensational” one.
Two of those 53 appearances came against Liverpool in the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final stage, and the Reds clearly liked what they saw as a bid is now being prepared.
Caught Offside believe Liverpool will make an offer worth around £42m to bring Ederson to Anfield.
It comes after Sports Zone claimed that Liverpool are close to a verbal agreement with the 24-year-old in regards to personal terms.
Arne Slot could be phasing out Wataru Endo
As aforesaid, Ederson operates in defensive midfield – a position where Wataru Endo made 29 Premier League appearances last season.
Liverpool lack another natural defensive midfielder, with Alexis Mac Allister better suited to a more attacking role despite being capable of playing at No.6 for the Reds.
Therefore, the impending bid for Ederson could suggest Slot is planning to phase Endo out of the starting XI in favour of a player who is seven years younger than the Japan international.
That is not to suggest the Liverpool No.3 will be frozen out completely, as the UEFA Champions League and domestic cup competitions will still offer plenty of playing time.
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Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Liverpool seem to be making excellent progress in their pursuit of Ederson.