Ederson and Manchester City: Is now the right time to part ways? | OneFootball

It’s been a summer of transition at Manchester City. While not every change has grabbed headlines, there’s no denying the quiet evolution currently taking place.

With eight signings completed across the last two transfer windows — including Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico Gonzalez, Omar Marmoush, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki — the reigning champions are reshaping their squad in key areas.

Now, attention turns to the goalkeeper position, where one of the longest-serving and most influential figures of the Pep Guardiola era to date may soon be approaching the end of his City chapter.

Ederson, now heading towards his ninth season at the Etihad Stadium, is facing growing speculation about his future — and it might just be time for both club and player to move on.

The catalyst in Manchester City’s evolution

When Manchester City signed Ederson from Benfica in 2017 for £35 million, few could have predicted just how transformative that move would become off the back of Pep Guardiola’s notable removal of Joe Hart from his goalkeeping plans.

The Brazilian’s ability to break the lines with his passing range, sweep behind the defence, and remain ice-cold under pressure elevated Manchester City’s game and embodied Guardiola’s tactical vision more than any goalkeeper before him.

Since then, Ederson has won an astonishing six Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League among a wide array of notable collective honours with his teammates.

He was also part of the side that secured the historic continental treble in 2023, and a few years earlier, the domestic quadruple of 2019. His contribution to Manchester City’s silverware-laden era is undeniable.

More than his honours, though, it was his profile that truly changed the position in English football. Ederson largely normalised goalkeepers acting as deep-lying playmakers, offering a level of tactical security that allowed City to dominate territory like few teams before them.

Has that influence waned?

But even a figure as central as Ederson isn’t immune to evolution — or criticism. Now 31-years-old, questions have started to emerge.

While his distribution remains at an elite level, some fans feel his shot-stopping is not as reliable as other top-tier options. As Pep Guardiola has added more tactical flexibility to City’s play, some argue the need for a high-risk, ultra-progressive goalkeeper is no longer quite so pressing.

Manchester City are calm about the situation, but alert to developments. There is no urgency to offload Ederson, but his situation is very much one to watch — particularly with suitors circling and the player himself believed to be open to a potential move abroad.

The exit links stack up

Saudi Arabia remains the most persistent source of interest for Ederson, with clubs in the region having been tracking the goalkeeper since the summer market of 2024 and are likely ready to return with fresh offers.

Reports from Turkey this week have also claimed that Galatasaray are preparing talks over a possible package deal that could involve all of Ederson, Manuel Akanji, and İlkay Gündoğan, although there has been no confirmation of that plan from reliable sources in England.

City had previously fielded interest from Napoli, but those discussions ultimately collapsed. Now, attention has turned to contingency planning.

The club is believed to have identified FC Porto’s Diogo Costa as a possible replacement for Ederson, while the idea of an approach for Juventus Michele Di Gregorio was recently shut down amid the Italian’s desire to remain in Turin.

What comes next?

Ederson remains under contract until the end of the 2025/26 season, so Manchester City retain full control over his future for now at least. But with Stefan Ortega Moreno pushing to become a first-choice — and open to departing if he doesn’t get that — a decision could soon be needed.

Should the right offer arrive from Saudi Arabia or elsewhere, and should City feel confident in their succession plan, this summer may present a logical point for a respectful departure. It would mark the end of an era.

With a new generation now arriving at the Etihad Stadium — including promising figures like Vitor Reis and Claudio Echeverri — a change between the posts could align with Manchester City’s wider reshaping.

After nearly a decade of excellence, Ederson’s legacy is secured. But whether he plays a role in what comes next is still an open question.