Opinion: FSG Lining Up Move for 25-year-old “Machine” Who’d Be Liverpool’s Best Defensive Midfielder Since Fabinho
Liverpool are taking a careful approach in the transfer market this summer following the appointment of Arne Slot as the new head coach at Anfield. While there is a desire for new signings, patience is essential as Slot gets to know his talented squad.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has indicated that transfers will happen, but not immediately. However, an attractive opportunity could prompt quick action from FSG.
Slot has inherited a strong squad with quality players in every position, though some areas need strengthening. One of Liverpool’s main concerns is acquiring a specialist defensive midfielder.
Last summer, Liverpool brought in Wataru Endo from Stuttgart for £16 million after missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who went to Chelsea. Although Endo, a 31-year-old Japan international, has performed admirably, he lacks mobility and advanced technical skills.
This signing was necessary after Fabinho was sold to Al-Ittihad for £40 million in July 2023 following a decline in his performance. If a suitable player becomes available, Michael Edwards and FSG will be prepared to make a move.
According to report, Liverpool are actively seeking to bolster their midfield and may consider making a bid for Atalanta’s Ederson, who played a key role in the Serie A team’s Europa League victory last season.
Ederson is highly valued by Atalanta but has expressed interest in moving to the Premier League on several occasions. This places Liverpool in a strong position, as they simply need to make a suitable offer to the Italian club.
Atalanta have set the 25-year-old’s price at £45 million, making him a potentially affordable option to enhance Liverpool’s midfield.
Ederson has made 90 appearances for Atalanta since joining from Salernitana in 2022, with his performances last season earning him recognition.
A defensive midfielder with a versatile skillset that defies a single role, Ederson possesses qualities suggesting he could significantly impact Slot’s Liverpool squad.
He played 53 times during Gian Piero Gasperini’s successful 2023/24 season, where his relentless presence fueled the drive toward winning trophies, averaging 5.2 ball recoveries per game in Serie A and 5.7 per game in the Europa League (Sofascore).
Moreover, football writer Carlo Garganese hailed him as a “machine” in central midfield for his standout performance against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.
Xabi Alonso’s team enjoyed a remarkable domestic season, clinching the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal. However, their hopes of continental glory were dashed by Atalanta’s 3-0 victory in the final, which ended their 51-game unbeaten streak and a 61-year pursuit of the trophy.
Ederson is a rising star with a proven record of surpassing expectations. His unique skills make him an essential signing for Liverpool, where he would outperform Endo and become the best defensive midfielder since Fabinho.
Jurgen Klopp praised Endo’s relentless performance after Liverpool’s injury-hit squad overcame Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, describing him as a “machine” in the midfield.
Despite being a valuable addition, Endo has limitations that Ederson could address, significantly enhancing the team’s overall performance.
According to FBref, the Brazil international ranked highly in Serie A last season, placing in the top 17% for goals, the top 6% for progressive passes, the top 12% for tackles and interceptions, and the top 13% for blocks per 90 minutes.
| League Stats 23/24: Wataru Endo vs Ederson | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stat (per 90) | Wataru Endo | Ederson |
| Matches played | 29 | 36 |
| Matches started | 20 | 32 |
| Goals | 1 | 6 |
| Assists | 0 | 1 |
| Pass completion | 88% | 84% |
| Big chances created | 2 | 2 |
| Key passes | 0.6 | 0.5 |
| Ball recoveries | 3.7 | 5.2 |
| Tackles | 1.7 | 2.3 |
| Duels won | 3.9 (44%) | 4.8 (55%) |
| Dribble attempts | 0.3 (67%) | 0.6 (55%) |
| Source: Sofascore | ||
The table above emphasises Ederson’s height of 6 foot 1, his goal-scoring ability, defensive prowess, and athletic strength. Meanwhile, Endo, despite playing in a Liverpool system that improved his ball-playing skills, was a more precise passer last season.
A similar improvement would be seen in Ederson under Slot, who prefers a more ball-focused style compared to his Liverpool predecessor. Ederson could replicate the peak performances of Fabinho, who was once praised as the world’s best defensive midfielder by Gary Neville in 2019.
Fabinho made 219 appearances for Liverpool, playing a vital role during a period of significant success for the club, including winning the Premier League and the Champions League.
Known for his relentless tackling and sharp game-reading, the 30-year-old was crucial to the team’s structure, excelling in both positioning and possession recovery. He was adept at intercepting the ball and initiating forward plays to create favorable situations.
Throughout his career, Fabinho averaged 6.8 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, showcasing his energy and initiative. The team’s control on the field notably declined as his performance waned, with Jamie Carragher labeling his late-career form as “awful.”
Liverpool need to sign Ederson, who is not only affordable but also capable of significantly enhancing Slot’s early tenure at Merseyside.
In other Liverpool news, “More Technical” – Liverpool Told to Prioritise Signing 26-year-old Star Over Anthony Gordon This Summer
