Atalanta eye Nigerian midfielder as Ederson replacement after Man United scouts watch Brazilian star

Atalanta are weighing up a summer move for Empoli’s Nigerian midfielder Faustino Anjorin as a potential replacement for Brazilian star Ederson, who is attracting strong interest from Manchester United, Soccernet.ng reports.

Italian transfer insider Nicolò Schira reports that Atalanta are closely monitoring Anjorin’s development, with the 23-year-old emerging as a prime candidate should Ederson leave the club this summer.

United are understood to have intensified their scouting of Ederson, with representatives present at San Siro during Atalanta’s recent clash against AC Milan.

The Red Devils view the Brazilian as a long-term midfield option, with a significant offer likely to prompt Atalanta into selling, despite Ederson being contracted until 2027.

Tino Anjorin is the type of midfielder that Atalanta really needs. He excels in ball carrying and key passes, which are qualities that complement Éderson and de Roon. Although frequent injuries are a drawback, he’s a player I’d like to see the club bring in. pic.twitter.com/p6ehxLBv12

— Let it be (@Atalanta_Korea) January 12, 2025

Anjorin, who joined Empoli on a three-year deal from Chelsea last summer, has impressed in Serie A this season. Although a recent thigh injury has kept him sidelined for the past seven games, the Anglo-Nigerian midfielder had already made 17 league appearances and provided three assists before his setback.

Anjorin made an instant impact on his injury return, scoring his first Serie A goal in Empoli’s 2-2 draw with Venezia on Sunday.

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After 16 years at Chelsea — rising through the club’s famed Cobham academy and taking on loan spells in England and Russia — Anjorin’s start to life in Italy has been impressive.

His powerful presence and technical ability in midfield have caught the eye, not just of Atalanta, but also Torino, who are reportedly monitoring his situation.

There is growing national team interest too.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is following Anjorin’s progress ahead of the June international fixtures, with the midfielder believed to be ready to commit to the Super Eagles after four years without an England call-up.

That commitment could simplify Chelle’s recruitment process, which has proven more complex in the cases of other England-born talents such as Tosin Adarabioyo, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Lesley Ugochukwu.

Anjorin previously had loan spells at Lokomotiv Moscow, Huddersfield Town, and Portsmouth, but his consistent minutes and improved performances in Serie A have signalled a career resurgence.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s recruitment efforts stretch beyond midfield reinforcements.

The club has also been linked with Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and Atalanta’s Italian forward Mateo Retegui, with preliminary discussions reportedly held with their representatives in recent weeks.