Manchester City may NOT sign a back-up for Rodri this summer, confirms Pep Guardiola in special message to Ederson | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has issued a special, heartfelt message to Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson as part of a wider update on the club’s transfer activities.

Over 40 days into the ongoing summer transfer window and Manchester City have completed one signing to add to their title-winning squad of last season, with Brazil international Savinho penning a five-year agreement with the club earlier this month.

The 20-year-old, who joins from fellow City Football Group side Troyes, was completed in a deal worth an initial £21 million, rising to a potential £33.6 million depending on the completion of add-ons built around his Etihad Stadium career and future progression.

But while the former Girona loanee no doubt adds much-needed firepower to the Manchester City frontline, especially on the right side of an attacking trio, there remains a feeling within the fanbase that the club still requires additions elsewhere in the squad.

Rodrigo has admitted on various occasions of his need for support in the lone defensive midfield role, and despite such public admissions, Manchester City appear to be no closer to fulfilling that request.

Speaking to reporters in New York City on Friday night, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insisted that, at this moment in time, the club will not be signing any more players in addition to the arrival of Savinho from Troyes.

“Right now, no. Right now, no,” the 53-year-old admitted on the subject of other incoming transfer activity at Manchester City.

Continuing, but refocussing his attention onto the future of mainstay goalkeeper Ederson, Guardiola explained, “I wish from the bottom of my heart Eddie [Ederson] continues with us. Replacing Eddie is so difficult.

“Of course, what I said, it depends on him, if he wants to… But I would love if he stayed because I cannot imagine our process, our success in these last years without him, and he’s an important figure in the locker room, in his presence, many things. And hopefully, it would be a good signing for us.”

Guardiola did however keep the door slightly open to new arrivals, but only towards the end of the summer market and in the event of sales, as he continued, “If someone leaves at the end, maybe [we will sign new players]. But if no one leaves, I think we will stay like we are.”

Ederson has long been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, but a switch to the Middle-East looks less and less unlikely with Al-Ittihad insistent on undervaluing the Brazilian goalkeeper in comparison to Manchester City’s valuation.

The Premier League champions are understood to value their number one choice goalkeeper at around £50 million, with Al-Nassr – the first potential suitor of the Brazilian this summer – submitting a £25 million offer before withdrawing from the race for the player.