One of the most consistent stories this summer has been the interest of Saudi Pro League clubs in signing City’s number-one keeper Ederson. It has been a story that has rumbled away all summer and now it appears that Al-Ittihad are preparing a new bid for the Brazilian international. With that in mind is it the right time for Manchester City to part ways with Ederson? It’s a tough question to answer but one that the world champions may be considering the answer to in the not-too-distant future.
Jack Gaughan has reported for the Daily Mail that Al-Ittihad have made contact with Manchester City in regards to a possible move for Ederson. Gaughan adds that Al Nassr have recently seen their £25 million move for City’s number one keeper rejected in recent weeks. Jack Gaughan adds that City values Ederson at over £50 million. Furthermore, Gaughan reports that Al-Ittihad is prepared to pay City’s asking price to sign the Brazilian international.
Is the time right for Manchester City and Ederson to part ways?
There is no doubting Ederson’s importance to Pep Guardiola’s side. That has firmly been established since he arrived at the club from Benfica. He has been an integral component to City’s era of dominance in recent seasons. That fact is not in dispute. But is it now time for City to cash in on the Brazilian international? That is a different discussion entirely.
Based on Jack Gaughan’s report Ederson has again agreed personal terms with a Saudi Pro League club. He has previously agreed terms with Al Nassr and now Al-Ittihad. Given the staggering salary offers clubs from the Gulf State can make that is no surprise. But it does give the impression that perhaps Ederson is willing to call time on his Manchester City career. It is well known that City traditionally don’t keep players who want to depart the club. If Al-Ittihad are willing to pay City’s asking price for Ederson it may see one of City’s most important players leave this summer.
It would be a massive blow to City if Ederson does leave the club. But if he wants to head to the Gulf State and City receives a sizable fee for their number-one keeper it may be the right time for Ederson to leave. What happens next will be interesting to watch in the coming weeks.
Ederson’s importance to Manchester City is well known. He will arguably go down as City’s greatest-ever goalkeeper. But it may be the right time for Ederson to leave the club this summer. That’s the reality of the situation and what happens next could force City’s hand in the transfer market in the coming weeks.
