Al Ittihad target deal for Ederson as goalkeeper considers leaving Manchester City with Saudi Pro League prepared to make initial offer of £25m

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is a target for Al Ittihad as the Brazilian considers leaving the Premier League champions.

Al Ittihad, coached by Argentine Marcelo Gallardo, have Ederson’s friend and compatriot Fabinho, formerly of Liverpool, in their squad along with ex-Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema – though the French striker is expected to leave this summer.

Ederson, 30, suffered a fractured eye socket against Tottenham earlier this month which curtailed his season but has been considering taking on a new challenge.

The Saudi Arabian Pro League has been keen on Ederson for over a year but they are reluctant to overspend and are understood to be willing to offer an initial £25million for one of the world’s best goalkeepers who still has two years left on contract.

Al Nassr have also been credited with interest as they look to replace David Ospina who is out of contract this summer.

Ederson has enjoyed much success under Pep Guardiola but he could now depart the club

Ederson has been at City since 2017 and has made 332 appearances for the club, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League. City have also won two FA Cups and four League Cups in that time.

Stefan Ortega has featured for City in Ederson’s absence and made a crucial contribution against Tottenham.

Al Ittihad already have Fabinho, Ederson’s close friend and compatriot, in their squad

However, a mix-up involving Ortega and Josko Gvardiol enabled Alejandro Garnacho to open the scoring for Manchester United in the FA Cup final, with Erik ten Hag’s side going on to lift the trophy.

Al Ittihad are currently in fifth place in the Saudi Pro League with one round of fixtures remaining.  

They will conclude their campaign on Monday with an away game against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.