Liverpool "knocking on the door" for Atalanta standout

Liverpool are set to complete a significant overhaul of their squad in the summer despite possibly finishing the season with another league title to their name.

The Reds' position at the top of the Premier League is a bizarre one. At times, the team have been unstoppable, whereas at others the players have looked incredibly lacklustre. Yet the projected points tally for the campaign is around 90 points, which is impressive to say the least.

Liverpool FC News Recap: Star CONFIRMS he’s staying as Reds ready €60m offer

However, across the long and tenuous journey that has been this 2024/25 season, it has become clear that replicating this season's success is going to be a lot harder than you might think.

Mohamed Salah's 54 goal contributions can only be looked at as a one-off, and the players that have already shown signs of decline - such as, Andy Robertson, Darwin Nunez and Jarrell Quansah - could see their levels get worse next season.

As such, recruitment is going to be necessary across the pitch, and according to the latest reports, the Reds might have found a player to fill a position that has been neglected for a long time.

Atalanta prepare to "say goodbye" to Ederson

Following four years of toil with the defensive midfield position, following the departure of Fabinho, Liverpool finally decided to pivot in their understanding of what a DM is.

Previously, Liverpool would have two No.8s in midfield, alongside a No.6, however, finding a specialist for the role was proving to be too difficult. As such, the Reds looked inwards when Arne Slot took over form Jurgen Klopp, and Ryan Gravenberch was chosen to play as the deepest player in a double-pivot.

He was still tasked with the responsibility that a defensive midfielder wields, but he was given the freedom to roam around the pitch. His role was less defined than you might expect.

Nonetheless, the Dutchman has been the only player trusted to play in the position all season, and his current workload is untenable. A hamstring injury is just waiting in the wings for him.

So while a back-up/facilitator for Gravenberch isn't necessarily high-up on Liverpool's shopping list this summer, a player who can play a number of roles would automatically make Slot's midfield more complete.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Atalanta are resigned to the fact that their midfield technician Ederson might go on to leave the club.

Their report writes: "Manchester United, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are waiting, ready to knock on the door of the Percassi with offers that could tough €60m."

To say the club's fan website adores the player would probably be an understatement. He is considered "an essential asset in Gian Piero Gassperini's chessboard" as he is the "soul of the Nerazzurri midfield".

A move for the Brazilian is considered to be "inevitable" now and Liverpool should be itching to get a deal across the line for the 25-year-old midfield powerhouse.

He's now into his third season with Atalanta, and he has recorded 8872 minutes in that time across 120 games - that's an average of 74 minutes per appearance, making him an experienced and reliable asset that Slot could use across his Liverpool midfield.

In addition, he has gradually become more ingrained with European football. The Reds had a clear opportunity to watch him when Atalanta won at Anfield in the Europa League last season, and he now has a full season of Champions League football under his belt.

Where better to go next than to the Premier League, where you can test yourself in one of the most intense environments in the world, while playing at a European powerhouse in Liverpool?

EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool ENTER Hugo Ekitike talks

Of course, a lot of players are likely to be brought in this summer, and the budget for such an extraordinary transfer window is not infinite, so decisions will need to be made as to what takes precedence, but if an understudy for Gravenberch is necessary, then look no further than Ederson.

READ MORE: Liverpool star now likely to STAY as Real Madrid move on