Pep Guardiola has expressed uncertainty about Ederson’s future at Manchester City due to interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Ittihad is reportedly prepared to meet City’s £50 million ($65 million/€60 million) valuation of the Brazilian goalkeeper, who has already agreed on personal terms and is eager for a new challenge outside England.
Following City’s 4-3 friendly defeat to Celtic in North Carolina, Guardiola acknowledged that he is unsure about Ederson’s next move.
“I’d like him to stay but it depends on other clubs,” he told reporters. “I don’t know the situation. There have been no contacts in the last days. It’s a question of training, being with us until the transfer window finishes and we’ll see.”
While it’s still unclear where Ederson will be playing his football next season, Kalvin Phillips looks set to exit City, most likely via another loan spell after a challenging stint at West Ham.
He was hooked off at half-time against Celtic, a decision Guardiola attributed to protecting the player following his injury struggles towards the end of last season.
“That’s why we didn’t give him more minutes,” Guardiola explained. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. He knows the situation, and we’ll see.”
If Ederson chooses to depart, Guardiola is resolute in ensuring Manchester City are not left lacking in the goalkeeping department. Reports indicate that City have pinpointed Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma as a potential successor.
While City proceed with their pre-season training in the United States, the transfer operations at Etihad Stadium are in full swing. Guardiola’s remarks reveal his wish to keep the Brazilian goalkeeper, but the growing appeal of the Saudi Pro League could lead to the manager losing his primary shot-stopper.