Manchester City face battle to retain first-team star as £600,000-a-week contract offer looms – Club remain ‘relaxed’ | OneFootball

Etihad Stadium officials seemingly have a battle on their hands to retain the services of Ederson beyond the ongoing summer transfer window, according to reports.

The future of the 30-year-old has been in doubt since the end of the last campaign, with some clubs in Saudi Arabia eyeing a move for a superstar goalkeeper, and Ederson standing alongside fellow Brazilian stopper Alisson in being regarded as primary targets.

But with Liverpool and their Brazil international seemingly agreeing on their working relationship remaining in tact heading into next season, Saudi suitors have focussed their attentions on Ederson.

In turn, the Manchester City number one has kept himself open to a move and has spent the most part of his ongoing summer break weighing up the potential of a move to the Middle-East along with his young family.

Now, reports have highlighted the great financial lengths to which Saudi Pro League clubs could go to in order to win over the decision of Ederson, whilst Manchester City are remaining ‘relaxed’ whilst the situation is ongoing.

According to the information of ESPN’s Rob Dawson, Manchester City are facing a battle to keep hold of Ederson this summer, with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr prepared to offer a contract worth nearly three times what he earns at the Etihad Stadium.

It is suggested that the Brazilian international could earn more than £600,000-a-week at Al Nassr, and despite the interest in the shot-stopper, Manchester City are said to be ‘relaxed’ about the situation after Stefan Ortega signed a contract extension until 2026.

From the side of manager Pep Guardiola, it is also stated that the Manchester City manager ‘would have no problem’ starting the forthcoming season with Ortega as his first-choice goalkeeper should Ederson opt for a switch to the Middle-East.

Manchester City have been linked with very few options for the goalkeeping positions that could become available this summer, whether that be for a new first-choice in goal, or a new back-up to supplement the aforementioned Ortega.

There have been tenuous links to two of Europe’s biggest goalkeeping stars, with Manchester City claimed to be admirers of both AC Milan’s Mike Maignan and FC Porto’s Diogo Costa, with both men starring at the European Championships this summer.

However, with finances expected to be allocated towards other areas in Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad, City are more likely to eye a new back-up for the role and reward Stefan Ortega for his excellent development over the last two seasons.