Al-Ittihad from the Saudi Pro League has expressed interest in acquiring Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. The Brazilian shot-stopper appears willing to leave the Premier League and move to the Middle East.
According to The Mail, Al-Ittihad has made an offer of £25 million for the thirty-year-old goalkeeper.
However, Manchester City deems this amount insufficient, seeking at least double that figure to consider releasing Ederson, who plays a crucial role in their upcoming season plans.
City recognizes the importance of Ederson but is aware that retaining him long-term may be challenging. Currently, Ederson is in the United States, participating in pre-season preparations with manager Pep Guardiola and his teammates.
In terms of potential replacements, Ortega stands out as a strong candidate. Unlike Donnarumma, who often struggles with ball control and lacks the passing range necessary for a modern goalkeeper, Ortega excels in these areas.
During a critical moment in the Round of 16, Donnarumma hesitated too long in possession, allowing Karim Benzema to score for Real Madrid, highlighting his shortcomings.
Ortega, on the other hand, is composed in possession, an adept passer, and a skilled shot-stopper. He also understands Guardiola’s tactical demands, making him a suitable successor to Ederson should he leave Manchester City.
Ortega’s familiarity with Guardiola’s expectations further strengthens his candidacy over the Euro 2020 champion Donnarumma.
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