Ederson is one of the finest goalkeeper’s in the world – and there’s an argument that he could be No 1 – but he has been linked with a move away from Manchester City, in a turn many may perhaps be surprised by.
The Brazilian shot-stopper has been a crucial cog in Pep Guardiola‘s title-consuming machine in recent years, having arrived from Benfica for around £33million in 2017, replacing Claudio Bravo.
He is widely regarded as the best ball-playing goalkeeper in the world, and has stepped into Manuel Neuer’s gloves as the undisputed sweeper-keeper king.
Yet he has been linked with a move to Al-Ittihad and the Saudi Pro League despite his status in the game, with Man City setting a price of £50m.
According to The Athletic, Ederson was prepared to pen new terms, with his current deal up in 2026, but his Brazilian compatriots already in the Saudi Pro League had begun to feel confident that he was set to join them by the time the end of the season rolled around.
Ederson (left) has been connected with a £50million move from Manchester City to the Saudi Pro League
Stefan Ortega (left) has been Ederson’s deputy since his arrival on a free two summers ago
Ortega (left) signed a new deal at the Etihad in June despite himself being linked with a move away
There have been questions as to why he might want to make the switch, but it would seem that there is more than just a financial motivation.
According to reports, Ederson was believed to have been affected by the praise his team-mate Stefan Ortega garnered for his world class stop against Son Heung-min in a crucial Premier League run-in trip to Tottenham.
With the title very much on the line, Tottenham star Son was through one-on-one with Ortega, who rushed off his line four minutes from time before sprawling spread-eagled to block the South Korean’s effort and potentially seal the title.
Ederson, importantly, had reacted very poorly at being substituted earlier on in the game after suffering a knock to the head, and was visibly frustrated on the bench at his game being so curtailed.
German goalkeeper Ortega understandably drew plaudits for his heroics, though some fans appeared to suggest that Ederson himself might not have made the stop – something which has seemingly irked the Brazilian.
However, in Guardiola’s eyes it would appear that there is only one top dog between the sticks, and after that game he was quick to underline that though Ortega’s was a…