Manchester City are preparing to make a serious statement in the summer transfer window, with Pep Guardiola lining up a €50 million offer for Atalanta star Ederson. With competition from rivals Manchester United looming large, City look determined to win the battle for one of Serie A’s standout midfielders.
Man City ready to make €50m move for Ederson amid Manchester United interest
According to reports from TuttoAtalanta, Guardiola has “no doubts” about his admiration for Ederson. The Brazilian midfielder has caught the eye with a string of dominant displays in Italy, playing a key role in Atalanta’s impressive Europa League triumph last season. His commanding performances have elevated him to one of the hottest properties on the European market — and it’s little surprise that Guardiola, a man who prizes technical midfielders perhaps more than anyone else, has pinpointed him as a priority target.
Ederson’s price tag is said to be around €50 million (£43m/$57m), a figure that reflects his growing reputation and the fact that he’s become an indispensable part of Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta side. It’s not just City who are circling either. Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close watch on the situation, while Juventus, too, have been mentioned as admirers.
City, however, have wasted no time. Sources suggest they have already made initial contact over a possible deal, looking to steal a march on their rivals before a bidding war can properly ignite. Knowing how quickly the transfer market moves, Guardiola seems keen to get this one boxed off early.
Why Pep Guardiola wants Ederson at Man City
For Guardiola, midfield is an area that always demands attention, no matter how strong City already look. With Kevin De Bruyne not getting any younger and some uncertainty over Kalvin Phillips’ future, adding another versatile, hard-working midfielder makes perfect sense.
Ederson fits the Guardiola blueprint perfectly. Technically assured, tactically intelligent, and blessed with the stamina to press and recover for 90 minutes, he’s exactly the kind of player City need to maintain their dominance in England and Europe. His experience in Serie A — a league famed for its tactical complexity — means he would likely adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League.
Moreover, Ederson isn’t just a destroyer. He’s capable of driving forward with the ball, breaking lines with his passing, and even chipping in with the occasional goal. In fact, since his arrival at Atalanta in 2022, he’s racked up close to 150 appearances and netted 13 times — not bad for a player whose main job is to break up opposition attacks and keep things ticking over.
Guardiola has built a dynasty at City based on control and possession, and Ederson’s skill set would slot right into that philosophy.
Man City face competition from Manchester United and Juventus
Of course, signing Ederson won’t be straightforward. United are desperate to rebuild their midfield, and the Brazilian would certainly add steel and quality to a side that has lacked both at times this season. Juventus, too, are keen, especially as they look to rejuvenate their squad after a couple of disappointing campaigns.
The good news for City is that they have both the financial muscle and the allure of guaranteed silverware to tempt Ederson. Playing under Guardiola, competing for Premier League titles, Champions League crowns, and domestic cups every year — it’s a compelling pitch for any ambitious player.
Still, with United needing to make a statement under whoever takes the managerial reins full-time and Juventus trying to reclaim their status as Italy’s top dogs, City will need to act decisively to get this one over the line.
Ederson’s journey: From Salernitana to Atalanta stardom
Ederson’s rise has been nothing short of impressive. He arrived in Europe relatively under the radar, joining Salernitana in 2022 after developing in his homeland. His performances there quickly attracted attention, and Atalanta swooped to bring him to Bergamo later that same year.
Under Gasperini’s tutelage, Ederson has flourished. Known for developing raw talent into elite performers, Gasperini gave Ederson the platform to showcase his all-action style — and the Brazilian didn’t disappoint. With almost 150 appearances already under his belt, he’s a key part of the Atalanta engine room.
Winning the Europa League last season — Atalanta’s first major European trophy — was the crowning glory so far. Ederson was at the heart of that success, anchoring the midfield with a combination of grit, energy, and intelligence that drew rave reviews across the continent.
It feels like the natural next step for him now is to move to one of Europe’s true giants — and Manchester City certainly fit that description.
What’s next for Man City and Ederson?
For Ederson, the immediate focus will be on finishing the Serie A season strongly with Atalanta. Gasperini’s side are pushing hard for a top-three finish, and the midfielder will be determined to leave on a high if this summer does indeed mark the end of his time in Bergamo.
As for City, there’s no time to waste. Their immediate attention will be on reaching the FA Cup final when they face Nottingham Forest this weekend, but behind the scenes, the wheels are already turning in the transfer market.
Landing Ederson would be a huge statement — not just because of the quality he would bring, but because it would be a hammer blow to United and Juventus’ hopes too.
Guardiola has always been proactive when it comes to strengthening his squad, and in Ederson, he clearly sees a player who can help City stay ahead of the chasing pack.
The race for Ederson’s signature is on — and Manchester City are determined to win it.
