Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has let the cat out of the bag that he could leave the Premier League champions during this summer’s transfer window as the speculation continues to swirl around the Brazil international’s future, with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad said to be pitching hard to secure his signature this summer.
Man City head coach Pep Guardiola said he is hoping ‘with the bottom of his heart’ that the 30-year-old decides to stay at the Etihad Stadium, after Ederson captained the Citizens in their 3-2 loss to AC Milan in Saturday’s pre-season friendly, and he addressed his future after the clash with the Italian giants.
The South American professed that he is “happy” at Man City but refused to rule out a departure in the coming weeks.
“There isn’t a definitive yet (on my future),” Ederson told reporters. “To hear Pep saying that was very gratifying. It’s now my eighth season with him living many good moments, also some bad ones.
“He’s a guy who is easy to work with, he’s a football genius and everyone knows that. So it’s really good to hear that from him.
“I’m happy here, having a good moment with my teammates. I’m enjoying as well to get my fitness back on track. I’m very calm, whatever happens is in God’s hands.”
Ederson was on the pitch for 79 minutes of Saturday’s clash against Milan, with Scott Carson then being introduced for the latter stages of the contest with the Italian giants.
One can only hazard a conjecture why Ederson – earning a fortune while representing one of the best teams in world football –would want to leave Man City this summer. It is likely that after lifting 17 trophies at the club since arriving in 2017, the stopper is eager for a fresh challenge at this stage of his career.
The Brazil international has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League, and it has been mooted that he has already achieved all that he wanted to in Manchester. Undoubtedly, he could become one of the best-paid players in world football if he makes the move to Saudi Arabia, which would also be a chance for him to sample a new life away from the football pitch.
Man City and Guardiola are doing the best they can to keep hold of him, but it is believed that an offer of around £50m would be seriously considered by the English champions considering the circumstances.