Ederson reveals why he rejected ‘unusual proposal’ from Saudi Arabia to remain at Manchester City after Pep Guardiola chat | OneFootball

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has revealed why he rejected an ‘unusual proposal’ from Saudi Arabia in favour of remaining at the Etihad Stadium during the summer.

The 31-year-old was at the centre of widespread reports linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia, having been tempted by the vast figures being offered to him during the final years of his top-level professional playing career.

Such was City’s concern around a potential exit for their mainstay number one choice goalkeeper that Etihad Stadium officials had already plotted the promotion of Stefan Ortega into the leading position, with Werder Bremen’s Michael Zetterer viewed as a new back-up.

However, no club in Saudi Arabia was willing to meet Manchester City’s valuation on a goalkeeper that has transformed both their own playing style, but also the perception of shot-stoppers across the club, with the figure in mind understood to be around £50 million.

Speaking during an interview with TNT Sports Brazil over the international break, Ederson has revealed he rejected an ‘unusual proposal’ from Saudi Arabia amid ‘countless’ conversations with Pep Guardiola over his Manchester City future.

“There really was a proposal on the table, something that weighed heavily, because it was an unusual proposal,” the Brazilian international said.

“I had countless conversations with (Pep) Guardiola, and one of them was essential. But from what he told me, the guarantees, the process and the evolution I had with him.

“All of that was essential for my staying at City,” he continued.

Pep Guardiola himself has previously hinted towards the truth behind Ederson’s stay at Manchester City over the summer, pointing towards the financial hesitancy from the side of Middle-Eastern decision makers.

Discussing the subject of Ederson’s stay at the Etihad Stadium after a fine performance from the goalkeeper during a 3-2 win over Fulham, Pep Guardiola explained, “He knew I didn’t want it, we didn’t want it.”

He continued, “I’m going to tell you the truth; an offer didn’t come, a real offer. They made an offer but the keeper for the team who won four Premier Leagues in a row has a price. Otherwise he can’t leave!”

Ederson and Manchester City will return to action on Sunday afternoon hoping to maintain their unbeaten start to the season, as they travel to Wolves for a Premier League meeting against Gary O’Neil’s struggling Molineux side.