Manchester City braced for formal Ederson approach as replacement lined up | OneFootball

Galatasaray’s pursuit of Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson appears likely to intensify in the coming hours and days following new developments this weekend.

City’s long-serving number one since the club’s takeover in 2008 could now be edging closer to an Etihad Stadium exit, with developments over the weekend accelerating the timeline for a possible agreement.

The Turkish Super Lig side are now becoming increasingly confident of landing Ederson, and Manchester City themselves appear to be preparing for that scenario by ramping up plans for his replacement.

The Premier League giants have been open to listening to proposals for the Brazilian goalkeeper since the start of the summer window, with Saudi Arabian clubs initially showing the most interest as far back as last summer.

However, no acceptable offer has yet arrived from the Middle East, allowing Galatasaray to emerge as the most serious contenders for his signature. City have always been mindful of Ederson’s contract situation — due to expire in 2026 — and the fact that the 31-year-old has completed eight seasons as Pep Guardiola’s first-choice.

While there is no desperation to part ways with a player of his pedigree, experience, and continued importance to the club’s playing style, recruitment officials understand the need for long-term planning, especially with Stefan Ortega Moreno also weighing up his future.

Now, according to the information of journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Galatasaray have reached an agreement with Ederson ‘on all terms’, while transfer fee negotiations have also commenced with the Premier League giants.

Follow up reporting from Fabrizio Romano further explained that City themselves are expecting Galatasaray to approach with an opening bid for the 31-year-old ‘soon’, with Etihad Stadium officials in turn working on making James Trafford their newest goalkeeper signing.

Ederson’s potential exit marks the latest significant development in a summer of reshaping for City’s senior core. The Brazil international has been a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s side since arriving from Benfica in 2017, helping to define their build-from-the-back style with his composure, passing range, and quick distribution.

In preparation for a potential exit, City have moved swiftly with Burnley’s James Trafford identified as a strong candidate, in what would be an emotional return to the club he developed through from an early age.

The England international was sold to Turf Moor in 2023 but remains highly regarded by Manchester City’s recruitment staff, and discussions have already taken place around bringing him back as part of the long-term goalkeeping project.

The proposed return of Trafford would align with the club’s approach to integrating top-tier talent from their youth system, while also perhaps representing a more cost-effective option compared to pursuing foreign-based targets such as FC Porto’s Diogo Costa.

As Galatasaray prepare to formalise their offer for Ederson, City are expected to make their intentions clear over the coming days. An agreement could materialise quickly if the Turkish side meet a valuation, with City then turning attentions to Trafford and potentially offering Stefan Ortega Moreno a greater role in the squad heading into 2025/26.