It is becoming apparent that Manchester City will likely move for a midfielder in January. That move has almost become a necessity based on City’s past four games in all competitions. Defeats to Tottenham, Bournemouth, Sporting CP and Brighton showed that City need a proper number 6 to solve a host of issues in their midfield. But is it now becoming apparent who City will target in January? Another report has suggested that Atalanta midfielder Ederson may be the player the champions target in January.
A report from Italian outlet Calciomercato has reported that Manchester City want to sign Ederson in January. Calciomercato further reports that the Brazilian midfielder is the player Pep Guardiola wants to add to his squad. Furthermore, Calciomercato reports that Atalanta has placed a €60 million prize tag on their prized asset. It is also included in Calciomercato’s report that Atalanta doesn’t want to lose Ederson in the January transfer window. Lastly, Calciomercato reports that PSG and Juventus also have an interest in adding Ederson to their ranks.
Ederson may be the player Manchester City look to add in January to cover Rodri’s absence.
Calciomercato’s report suggests that Ederson may be the player that Manchester City look to add to their midfield in January. As covered previously Ederson’s strengths do look to be ideally suited to a role in Pep Guardiola’s squad. Currently, City look to lack legs and energy in midfield. If they could land Ederson it would immediately alleviate that issue. The Brazilian midfielder has shown with Atalanta that he is both a technically gifted player and a defensive workhorse in midfield. He could also form a dynamic midfield partnership with Rodri once City’s midfield general returns next season.
But the stumbling block may be Atalanta’s reluctance to sell one of their best players. Calciomercato’s report suggests that Atalanta doesn’t want to sell Ederson in January. But if Manchester City want the Brazilian midfielder you do get the sense that City will just pay Atalanta’s asking price. If that situation occurs it will be interesting to see what plays out and how determined Manchester City would be to sign Ederson. That could be a story to watch for in January.
But the signs are that Manchester City may have identified the player they want to add to their midfield in January. Calciomercato’s report suggests that it is Ederson from Atalanta. That answer will likely be known in January when the champions make their move for a midfielder.