As The Pitch Prospect has learned, Manchester City are preparing for an offer from Saudi Arabia for goalkeeper Ederson.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr are among the clubs interested in signing the Premier League champions’ number 1.
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Ederson is apparently open to the move, as Stefan Ortega is set to be his successor as City’s number one.
The Pitch Prospect reported in May that the 30-year-old was on Al Nassr’s radar as a possible replacement for former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina.
Al Nassr also had Liverpool’s Alisson on their shortlist, but it seems they now only have their eyes on his international teammate.
With two years left on his contract at the Etihad, City are in no hurry to part with the player and are likely to demand over £30 million.
Ederson has been at the club since joining from Benfica for £35 million in 2017 and has made 332 appearances in all competitions, winning 17 major trophies.
But Pep Guardiola’s team knows that Ortega is more than capable of improving his performance as the German continues to perform as a star even during his absence.
This was evident in City’s penultimate game of the 2023/24 season, when Ortega – who came on for Ederson after his injury – made a game-winning save against Tottenham.
When City led 1-0 in the closing stages, they knew that a win would put them ahead of Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title.
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And Spurs almost got a dramatic point when Heung-min Son ran free towards goal, but Ortega skilfully blocked it with his right foot. The Citizens ended up winning 2-0 – and taking the title.
If Ederson leaves City, he could be the latest City star to swap the Etihad Stadium for the Middle East.
If he ends up at Al Nassr, he would be reunited with Aymeric Laporte, who was sold by City last summer in a deal worth £25.6million.
Meanwhile, cult hero Riyad Mahrez joined Al Nassr’s rivals Al Ahli for £30 million.