BREAKING NEWS: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated, “If he wants to leave, I can’t prevent him. It’s his decision; we don’t compel players to remain at City,” regarding the potential departure of a £35m player this summer.

Pep Guardiola has stated he would not obstruct a potential £35 million player’s departure from Manchester City this summer. Following City’s penalty loss to Barcelona, Guardiola addressed one of the critical issues facing his team.

Although the Catalan manager will be focused on the upcoming 2024/2025 season preparations, including team fitness and motivation levels, he also has to manage potential player movements. Guardiola’s primary concern will be ensuring his squad is ready for the season rather than the three consecutive pre-season losses.

Key to Guardiola’s preparations is determining which players will remain with the team. Manchester City must strategize for the ongoing summer transfer window, balancing potential arrivals and departures.

One significant issue is the uncertainty surrounding Ederson Moraes, who has been linked with transfers to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks.

At the start of the month, Fabrizio Romano reported that Stefan Ortega would be Ederson’s replacement if he were to leave. Despite Manchester City’s readiness for such a situation, losing the Brazilian goalkeeper would still be a considerable setback.

Ederson has been a cornerstone of City’s success under Guardiola, alongside other key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and John Stones. If Ederson decides to leave, Guardiola has expressed, with a reportedly heavy heart, that he would not prevent him.

Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, Guardiola said, “I just wish for him to stay with City, with me. I desire him and adore him. He has given us so much; he is a ‘porteirazo,’ a term used to describe an excellent goalkeeper in Spain and Portugal.

I hope he provides a clear response soon. Should he feel compelled to leave, I will understand, despite the heartache.”

Ultimately, while Guardiola desires Ederson to stay, he respects the player’s decision and will accept it if he chooses to depart. This acknowledgment reflects Guardiola’s pragmatic approach to managing his squad and preparing for the new season amid the complexities of the transfer window.