Latest developments
- Man City looking for Rodri replacement
- Atalanta's Ederson of interest to English side
- Serie A side ready to sell midfielder in January
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4/5): Reliable source gives reasonable confidence
Manchester City have identified Ederson as a potential target to replace Rodri, who is out for the season with a serious knee injury. Sources earlier reported that January would be a tough time to do a deal for the Brazil international. However, Football Insider has reported that Atalanta are reportedly open to selling the Brazilian defensive midfielder if a ‘big enough' offer arrives.
Football Insider reports are more often than not accurate and the same should be the case with the Ederson story.
Value (2/5): Atalanta likely to harangue Man City to overpay
As per Transfermarkt, Ederson's current market value stands at £33 million. However, figures mentioned earlier suggested that Atalanta were expecting bids around the £60 million mark for a summer move. Football Insider's report has specifically mentioned that the Bergamo-based side would only sell the Brazilian for a ‘big' transfer fee and it is unlikely that the Serie A side would settle for anything less than £80 million.
The price point would be too steep for Manchester City to consider spending for somebody unproven in the Premier League and/or the Champions League.
Suitability (2/5): Not a similar playstyle to Rodri
While on paper, Rodri and Ederson are both considered defensive midfielders, the roles of the two are very different. Manchester City play with a single-pivot system which sees a lot of the responsibility shouldered by the pivot when transitioning from defence and also while rotating possession.
Ederson has not played in that role so far and has instead been more of a defensive presence while partner Marten de Roon carried out the progressive parts of the play for Atalanta.
Upgrade? (2/5): Kovacic a better option – Stones a backup
Pep Guardiola has been attempting to tweak Manchester City's playing style to account for Rodri's absence and trialling Mateo Kovacic to play in the Ballon d'Or winner's position.
The Croatian has failed to live up to the Spaniard's levels defensively and in transitions. While Ederson may be a better presence defensively, he could become a big liability in transitions, causing the rest of the midfielders to have to make up for his lower offensive contributions. As such, John Stones could be placed in the position, if the side needed a better defensive setup.
Logic (2/5): Man City have other options in the market
Manchester City would be better off without overpaying for Ederson this winter, as there are other options in the market, like Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi or Crystal Palace's highly-rated Adam Wharton. Zubimendi would be the outright best option for City this winter; however, Wharton's young age could make him an enticing market option for the defending Premier League champions.
Whisper+ final verdict – 12/25
Manchester City is very smart when it comes to making moves in the transfer market. Guardiola and departing director Txiki Begiristain are very in tune, so it is highly unlikely the club would make the mistake of panic buying the wrong profile altogether.
