With the World Cup appearing on the horizon, it provides another aspect of consideration for players tempted by taking the Saudi Arabia millions. Whilst multiple countries have shown they’ll still select players who move to Saudi Arabia, for the most competitive national sides it’s obviously not a showcase on the level of the Premier League.
Saturday’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport reports all of Newcastle United, Manchester United and Manchester City have made contact over the past few months about signing Ederson from Atalanta. None of the English clubs have managed to wobble the Serie A side, and have all been given a firm ‘no thanks’ in reply.
According to the Italian newspaper, any of Newcastle United, Manchester United or Manchester City would be required to pay €40-50m if they want to sign the midfielder.
That’s the same price Atalanta are asking for Ademola Lookman and Mateo Retegui. Clearly none of the Premier League clubs mentioned have gone to that level, and it’s now believed that Al-Hilal could.
This is where the career versus money aspect enters the scene.
Ederson has recently been called back into the Brazil set-up by Carlo Ancelotti. The 25-year-old’s place in the World Cup squad isn’t secure, and Gazzetta suggest Al-Hilal wouldn’t therefore have the same appeal as Newcastle United, Manchester United or Manchester City.
Should no club in a top European league be ready to pay what Atalanta want then Ederson will face the choice of staying, going to Saudi, or trying to pressure the Italian side to bring their figures down.
