Al-Ittihad, a club from the Saudi Pro League, has approached Manchester City with an interest in signing goalkeeper Ederson. The Brazilian, currently 30 years old, is reportedly open to leaving the Premier League for a move to the Middle East. According to The Mail, Al-Ittihad has made an offer of £25 million for Ederson.
However, Manchester City believes this amount is insufficient, valuing the player at least double that sum due to his significant role in the team’s upcoming season plans.
Despite their desire to keep Ederson, Manchester City is aware that retaining him may not be possible for much longer. Ederson is currently in the United States, participating in pre-season training with manager Pep Guardiola and his teammates.
In considering potential replacements, it’s noted that Gianluigi Donnarumma, another top goalkeeper, sometimes struggles with ball distribution, a crucial skill for modern goalkeepers. During a recent match in the Round of 16, Donnarumma’s hesitation and poor decision-making under pressure allowed Karim Benzema to capitalize and score for Real Madrid.
In contrast, Stefan Ortega, another goalkeeper, is highlighted as a better fit for Manchester City’s style of play. Ortega is praised for his composure with the ball, accurate passing, and shot-stopping abilities.
Moreover, he is already familiar with Guardiola’s tactical expectations, making him a strong candidate to replace Ederson if the latter decides to leave the club for Al-Ittihad.
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