Al Ittihad have placed an impressive first offer for Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. The Brazilian could be leaving Etihad this summer. He has attracted attention from Saudi.
Ederson has been a crucial player for Pep Guardiola’s side. The goalkeeper has spent seven years at the Etihad. The 30-year old was instrumental in City winning the UEFA Champions League, the historic treble, 6 Premier League titles and 2 FA Cups. Moreover, Ederson was a key addition to City’s record-breaking Premier League quadruple.
Manchester City came out on the wrong end of the result against Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Ederson missed the game due to an eye socket injury. However, perhaps the Brazilian’s presence in between City’s sticks could have turned the tide in City’s favor.
Ederson’s rise: From youth to experience
Ederson began his senior professional career playing for Ribeirao at age 18. The Brazilian made 30 appearances for Ribeirao. Then, the goalkeeper made a move to Rio Ave. Ederson spent the forthcoming three seasons in Rio Ave, following which he was signed by Benfica B.
Later, in the same 2015-16 season, the goalkeeper got a chance to play for Benfica’s first team after Julio Cesar picked up a knock. After 2 impressive years at Benfica, Manchester City signed the Brazilian in 2017.
The Manchester Blues bought Ederson for £35 million. Additionally, the goalkeeper was the second most expensive player in his position at the time of his signing. The Brazilian immediately found a place in Guardiola’s Starting XI pushing Claudio Bravo to the bench.
Since then, the goalkeeper has truly flourished at the Etihad. The 30-year old has kept 112 clean sheets in 250 appearances for City in the Premier League. Ederson also became the first ever Manchester City goalkeeper to assist a goal, providing from a goal kick to Sergio Aguero.
Moreover, the Brazilian has won 3 consecutive golden gloves in the Premier League for City in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Furthermore, he became only the 4th ever player in Premier League’s history to have won 3 or more golden gloves.
However, winning the FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper in 2023 is surely the highlight of Ederson’s magnificent career. The Brazilian made the most number of saves in the Champions League in 2023 and helped his side win a historic treble!
The goalkeeper has won 17 trophies at the Etihad making 332 appearances for the Citizens. Ederson has a contract with Manchester City until 2026, but could leave amidst interest from Saudi.
Saudi teams lurk around City: Ederson not the only one
Manchester City are no strangers to being poached by Saudi for players. Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte left the Etihad last season to play for Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr respectively.
Additionally, Ederson is not the only City player to be targeted by Saudi this season. Names of 3 more players have surfaced that could draw offers from Saudi. Kyle Walker, Matheus Nunes and Kevin de Bruyne have are the possible targets.
However, talks for Ederson have advanced.
Al Ittihad keen to buy Ederson from Manchester City
Al Ittihad are considering to make an initial offer of £25 million for Ederson. The 30-year old goalkeeper is currently valued for £26 million in the transfer market.
A very tactical bid from Al Ittihad, something that fans do not expect from Saudi. Saudi have made an identity of offering pretty lucrative offers for European players over the past couple of seasons. Moreover, Al Ittihad aren’t the only Saudi team looking to sign the Brazilian. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr is also keeping tabs on the 30-year old.
While it is difficult to say where Ederson will play, Manchester City will be hoping to retain the Brazilian. The Citizens do have Stefan Ortega as a replacement. However, they might go for a younger alternative. Speculation over Ederson’s future continues as the transfer window opens soon.
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