Ederson leaves Manchester City to join Fenerbahce | OneFootball

Manchester City have bid farewell to one of the cornerstones of their recent dominance, with goalkeeper Ederson completing a £12.1m move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce after eight glittering years in English football.

The Brazilian, 32, has been an ever-present figure since joining City from Benfica in 2017, making 372 appearances and redefining the role of the modern goalkeeper.

Known as much for his distribution and composure as for his saves, Ederson leaves the Etihad having helped City to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the Champions League. He was also central to Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning side in 2022-23, becoming only the second goalkeeper in English football history to collect six top-flight titles, alongside Liverpool great Bruce Grobbelaar.

Ederson’s influence stretched far beyond shot-stopping. His sweeping style allowed Guardiola’s high defensive line to thrive, while his pinpoint passing and willingness to take risks with the ball at his feet became trademarks of City’s possession-based game. He even provided seven assists in the Premier League, remarkable numbers for a goalkeeper.

Reflecting on his departure, Ederson said: “I leave Manchester City incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. Playing for City has been the most special time of my life and I will always be a fan of this club. Once a Blue, always a Blue.”

City, however, are already planning for the future. England Under-21 keeper James Trafford has arrived from Burnley, while a £26m deal is in place to bring Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.

Guardiola is moving decisively to refresh his squad, with Ederson’s exit accompanied by a loan departure for Swiss defender Manuel Akanji. The 30-year-old has joined Inter Milan, with an option to make the move permanent should the Serie A club win the Scudetto.

Akanji played a crucial role in City’s treble season but has slipped down the pecking order. His switch to Italy further highlights Guardiola’s willingness to make tough calls on proven winners in order to keep his side evolving.

City’s director of football Hugo Viana summed up Ederson’s legacy: “No goalkeeper has ever won more Premier League titles. His quality, consistency and bravery were vital to our success, and he will always have a place in Manchester City history.”

For Guardiola, the double departure underlines a new cycle at the Etihad. While Ederson and Akanji leave with medals and memories, City’s pursuit of sustained dominance continues with fresh faces ready to step in.