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It seems a transfer saga between Liverpool and Manchester United could be brewing this summer according to reports in Italy.

The two English giants transfer strategies have increasingly overlapped in recent years, with both clubs frequently pursuing identical targets.

The most notable example is Cody Gakpo, whom United aggressively pursued in 2022 before Liverpool secured his £37 million signing in January 2023.

The Dutch forward had reportedly even held talks with Erik ten Hag before opting for Anfield, a move he later called the “best decision” amid United’s stalled negotiations.

This pattern extended to Leny Yoro, who Liverpool were keen on last summer but were not able to offer him the minutes he was looking for – something Ruben Amorim’s side are.

United finalized a £52 million deal for the center-back last summer.

And now it has emerged that Liverpool and Manchester United are set for a summer transfer showdown as both clubs intensify their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, whose potential €60m (£51m) departure from Bergamo appears increasingly inevitable.

This is according to local outlet Tutto Atalanta, who suggest that the Bergamo outfit are already preparing for his departure.

The 25-year-old Brazilian has emerged as one of Serie A’s most complete midfielders, sparking a four-way battle with Juventus and Atlético Madrid also circling.

Since arriving at Atalanta in 2022 for €21m, Ederson has evolved into a tactically versatile linchpin under Gian Piero Gasperini.

The manager’s directive to harness his “pace and power” transformed the Brazilian from a rotational player into a defensive titan (85th percentile for interceptions) with newfound attacking impetus (seven goals last season).

Ederson.

Based on 4005 minutes played [FBref].

His man-of-the-match display against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 Europa League final – where he neutralized Granit Xhaka – cemented his reputation as a big-game operator.

Liverpool’s interest dates to summer 2024 when they identified Ederson as the ideal successor to Fabinho.

And it now seems that the transfer saga could be reignited this term.

For United, Ederson represents a strategic reset

With Casemiro (33) and Christian Eriksen (32) likely departing, new manager Ruben Amorim sees the Brazilian as the cornerstone of a younger, dynamic midfield.

The Red Devils’ hierarchy believes their existing relationship with Atalanta – forged through deals for Rasmus Højlund and Amad Diallo – could prove decisive.

It remains to be seen if Liverpool do move for the Brazilian, but it’s certainly a situation to keep an eye on.

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