Manchester City’s Brazilian goalkeeper, Ederson, was at the center of transfer rumors linking him to Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad throughout the summer. However, despite the speculation, Ederson ultimately remained at Manchester City, thanks in part to the strong stance taken by his manager, Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola, who has always held Ederson in high regard, made an emotional plea for the 31-year-old to stay at the Etihad Stadium. Reflecting on the situation, the City boss revealed the real reason why the transfer never materialized.
Speaking to ESPN, Guardiola explained, “Ederson knew from day one I didn’t want him to leave. We didn’t want him to go. But the truth is, the offer just didn’t come. There was an initial offer, but for a goalkeeper who has helped win four Premier League titles in a row, he has a certain value. The real offer, the one that would match his worth, never came. That’s the truth.”
Although Ederson’s potential departure was the subject of significant media buzz, Guardiola’s comments make it clear that the Brazilian was never really close to leaving Manchester.
The alleged interest in Ederson may have stemmed from Guardiola’s public praise for City’s second-choice goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega, during Ederson’s brief absence due to injury. Reports suggest that this might have unsettled Ederson, leading to increased speculation about his future at the club.
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However, the Brazilian remains Manchester City’s number one, having made 341 appearances and won over a dozen major trophies, including multiple Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy, during his seven-year stint with the club.
Despite the lingering uncertainty about Ederson’s long-term future, Guardiola seems committed to keeping the ex-Benfica man at the heart of City’s defense, at least for now.
As the Premier League resumes after the international break, Ederson will once again link up with his manager and teammates to prepare for their upcoming match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 20.
While the future could still hold a potential move for Ederson, particularly with the lucrative Saudi offers likely to persist, for the time being, he remains a key figure in Manchester City’s plans as they continue to compete for domestic and international glory.
His presence and experience between the posts are invaluable for a team that has dominated English football in recent years, and Guardiola’s reluctance to let him go is a testament to his importance.
As speculation swirls, one thing is clear: Ederson’s time at Manchester City is far from over, and he still has plenty to contribute as the club looks to build on its recent successes.