Newcastle United remain quiet in the January transfer window, but behind the scenes there is a growing sense that the club are preparing something significant. With the window now open for almost two weeks, Eddie Howe has yet to welcome a new face to St James’ Park.
That does not mean plans are not being made. If anything, Newcastle appear to be carefully weighing up their options, knowing that one smart addition could make a huge difference in the second half of the season.
The Magpies head into this stage of the campaign in a strong position. A thrilling 4–3 victory over Leeds United at St James’ Park last time out lifted Newcastle up to sixth place in the Premier League table and reinforced the belief that this team can compete with anyone on their day.
Even so, Howe has never hidden the fact that there is always room for improvement, especially when it comes to depth and balance within the squad. Injuries, suspensions, and fatigue can quickly derail momentum, and that is why January remains such a crucial period.
Reports from Italy suggest Newcastle are keeping a close eye on Serie A, a league they know well and trust for producing technically strong and physically ready players.
According to TEAMtalk, the Magpies are tracking three Atalanta players: Giorgio Scalvini, Honest Ahanor, and midfielder Ederson. While all three have impressed this season, it is Ederson who has emerged as a particularly interesting target.
Newcastle are believed to admire the Brazilian midfielder because of his energy, strength, and ability to add real bite to the middle of the pitch. With Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali already at the club, Howe has built a midfield known for intensity and work rate.
However, the interest in Ederson suggests Newcastle want even more power and reliability in that area, especially as the fixture list becomes more demanding.
Ederson is reportedly valued at around £34 million, a figure that reflects both his consistency and his importance to Atalanta. While there is no confirmation that Newcastle will make a formal move this month, he is clearly seen as a serious option rather than a casual link.
What makes the story even more interesting is how closely Ederson’s profile mirrors that of Bruno Guimarães, leading many to see him as a potential “Bruno 2.0”.
Like Bruno, Ederson is a Brazilian midfielder who blends technical quality with aggression and intelligence. He is comfortable on the ball, confident in tight spaces, and disciplined without possession. Looking at their performances this season, there is little to separate them, and in some areas, Ederson has even edged ahead.
Below is a simple comparison of their defensive output during the 2025/26 league season so far, based on available data:
| Metric | Ederson (Serie A) | Bruno Guimarães (Premier League) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 15 | 20 |
| Tackles + interceptions per game | 2.6 | 2.7 |
| Dribbled past per game | 0.7 | 1.0 |
| Blocks per game | 0.2 | 0.1 |
| Ground duel success | 53% | 51% |
| Aerial duel success | 42% | 36% |
The numbers show just how similar the two players are. Both enjoy the physical side of the game and are not afraid to get stuck in. Ederson’s slightly better duel success and lower rate of being dribbled past highlight his defensive efficiency, while Bruno’s numbers remain impressive given the pace and intensity of the Premier League.
Ederson is not just about defensive work, though. He also offers a goal threat from midfield, something Howe values highly. The Atalanta midfielder has scored 13 goals in 138 Serie A appearances, managing four or more league goals in two of the last three seasons.
That return compares well with Bruno, who has scored 20 goals in 144 Premier League matches. Neither player is relied upon purely for goals, but both have a knack for contributing at important moments.
Former England manager Fabio Capello once described Ederson as “out of this world”, praising his all-round ability and understanding of the game. That kind of endorsement carries weight, especially when paired with consistent performances at a high level.
At 26 years old, Ederson is also entering what are widely considered to be the prime years of a footballer’s career, making him an attractive long-term investment.
For Newcastle, signing a player like Ederson would offer flexibility. He could rotate with Bruno when needed, allowing Howe to manage workloads more carefully, or even play alongside him in certain matches to create an incredibly powerful midfield pairing.
His presence would reduce risk, add competition, and give Newcastle more control in high-pressure games.
With the January window ticking on, Newcastle’s owners and recruitment team face an important decision. Do they hold firm and wait until the summer, or do they move now to strengthen a squad that already looks capable of pushing higher up the table? A move for Ederson would be a clear statement of intent and could prove decisive in the months ahead.
If Newcastle are serious about sustaining progress and challenging on multiple fronts, this could be the perfect time to act. Ederson has the tools, the mentality, and the experience to thrive at St James’ Park. Bringing him in now could feel very much like securing the next version of Bruno Guimarães, and that is a prospect that should excite everyone connected with the club.
