Ederson holds desire to leave Manchester City for European or Saudi Arabian clubs – New contract signing already stalled | OneFootball

Manchester City’s number one choice goalkeeper Ederson does hold a desire to leave the club this summer, and has pushed back on an opportunity to renew his contract.

Despite reporting for pre-season training at the City Football Academy last week, and travelling with the first-team squad to the United States for their tour of the country’s east coast as planned, Ederson’s future at the Etihad Stadium continues to be held in doubt.

A number of clubs from within the Saudi Pro League continue to hold interest in Ederson, with Al-Ittihad the latest poised to test Manchester City’s resolve over a £50 million asking price, following on from Al-Nassr’s withdrawal of interest.

While Pep Guardiola, Manchester City coaching staff, and fans alike will no doubt want to see Ederson remain at the club beyond the summer market, the player’s stance may ultimately prove decision as the summer market rolls on.

According to the information of The Athletic’s Sam Lee, Ederson does want to leave Manchester City and the club recognises that stance.

It is further explained that while Etihad Stadium officials understandably do not want an exit to happen, they also do not want to price any player who wants to leave out of a transfer, but in turn do not want him to go ‘cheaply’ either, establishing a £50 million asking price.

The Athletic reveal that Ederson was ready to sign a new contract at City around March of this year, having knocked back proposals from Saudi Arabia last summer. However, by the end of the season, it is claimed some of Ederson’s compatriots in Saudi Arabia were ‘talking with certainty’ about his arrival.

Manchester City are unlikely to seek a direct replacement for Ederson this summer, but could instead promote back-up choice Stefan Ortega into the number one role, and seek out a back-up to the German to continue to push his capabilities between the sticks.

Back-up options have largely been unreported by reliable sources throughout the ongoing summer market, but some claims have pointed towards former Manchester City goalkeeper and current Burnley man James Trafford as a possible solution.

The England international is understood to be heading towards the exit door at Turf Moor this summer following their relegation from the Premier League into the Championship, and Manchester City’s buy-back clause could appeal to decision makers at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City’s only other senior goalkeeper, should Ederson find a way through the exit door at the club this summer, is veteran Scott Carson – who penned a one-year extension to keep him at the club until the end of the 2024/25 season.