Manchester City appear set to move for an Atalanta midfielder to add energy to their midfield | OneFootball

If Manchester City were to see a player such as Bernardo Silva depart at the end of this season, they would have to replace the energy and workrate he adds to City’s play. During his time at the club, Bernardo’s versatility and drive have been an important element of City’s play. Based on the strengths of his play he’s almost irreplaceable. But at some point, the reality is that the energy and drive Bernardo Silva adds will need to be replaced at some point. How Manchester City do that is a story to watch for heading into the summer transfer window.

Now two new reports have emerged that Atalanta midfielder Ederson is a potential summer transfer target for Pep Guardiola’s side. He isn’t the same type of player as Bernardo Silva. Not even close. But what Ederson would add to Manchester City’s midfield is the ability to get around the pitch plus he’s strong getting back defensively and can add something to City’s attacking play. You’ll never find a like-for-like replacement for Bernardo Silva. That’s not possible. But if City did need to replace the tireless workrate that Bernardo provides, Ederson could be the player to add that element to Manchester City’s squad.

A report from Tutto Atalanta indicates that Manchester City are determined to sign Ederson this summer. Furthermore, the Tutto Atalanta report indicates that City are in pole position to sign Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder this summer. It is also reported by Tutto Atalanta that City are prepared to offer €50 million to sign Ederson. Lastly, the Tutto Atalanta report indicates that the Serie A club are aware of the fact that it will be difficult for them to keep Ederson this summer.

Manchester City could face competition to sign Ederson this summer.

Giuseppe Labellarte has reported for TBR Football that Manchester City could face competition from Newcastle United and Manchester United to sign Ederson this summer. Furthermore, Labellarte reports that Ederson’s camp has made it known that the player is keen on a switch to the Premier League this summer. Lastly, Labellarte reports that no club has made a concrete offer for Atalanta’s midfield workhorse.

Manchester City won’t find like-for-like replacements for Kevin De Bruyne and in this case, Bernardo Silva. That’s not possible. But what they can do is find players who can add elements of their games to Pep Guardiola’s squad. If Bernardo Silva did leave City this summer they’d need to replace his workrate, and ability to cover the entire pitch. Whether that’s Bernardo’s ability to track back or get forward. Ederson would do that, albeit in a different way. There is a case for City to move for the Brazilian midfielder. He’d definitely add that element to Manchester City’s midfield.

Manchester City will be busy this summer. That’s a well-established fact. Who they sign remains to be seen. But if they need to add energy and drive to midfield then Ederson could be the player to do just that. Whether or not City feel the same is now a story to monitor based on the two new reports listed above.