Atalanta have signed Brazilian midfielder Ederson Jose dos Santos Lourenco da Silva from Salernitana, the Serie A clubs announced on Wednesday. But you can just call him Ederson – as long as you don’t confuse him with the Manchester City goalkeeper.Italian media report that Atalanta have paid around $15 million plus Italy under-21 centre-back Matteo Lovato for Ederson, who turns 23 on Thursday. Ederson moves to Atalanta after just half a season at Salernitana, in which he was vital to the southerners completing a miracle survival bid on the final day of the last campaign.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Growing up in Desportivo Brasil, Ederson gained much-needed experience at home with Cruzeiro, Corinthians and Fortaleza, reaching over one hundred appearances overall with seven goals to his credit. He only arrived in Italy in January 2022 and quickly became one of the most dependable players for coach Davide Nicola. He impresses not only for his talent but also for his adaptability in different positions and situations.A Brazil international at the under-20 level, Ederson scored twice in 15 appearances for Salernitana, including a goal against his new employers in May. The club from the Campagnia region couldn’t keep the Brazilian, but at least they made a juicy $16 million-profit in just six months. And they got to keep their place in Serie A. That’s what you call a win-win situation!
Ederson impressed massively at Granata as his presence in midfield stabilised the team that rose from the bottom of the league in mid-April to finishing one point outside the relegation zone. Matteo Lovato, who moved in the opposite direction, signed a five-year contract with Salernitana, who will also try to sign Norwegian midfielder Morten Thorsby from Sampdoria as a replacement. The former Heerenveen player is likely to cost around $7 million.