Ederson Moraes is reportedly ready to call it quits at Manchester City and move to Al-Nassr this summer.
Manchester City have welcomed back their number one goalkeeper, Ederson, for pre-season, but uncertainty surrounds his future at the club. As Ederson reported for pre-season tests with the Premier League champions on Monday, discussions about his potential transfer were already underway. The Saudi Pro League, particularly Al-Nassr, has expressed a strong interest in the Brazilian goalkeeper, making a bid worth £25 million last month.
Manchester City promptly rejected this initial offer, valuing Ederson closer to £40 million. This valuation is almost double Al-Nassr’s opening bid and reflects Ederson’s importance to the team and his market value, given they paid Benfica £35 million for him in 2017. However, City would likely consider sanctioning a deal if the right offer is made.
Ederson’s Desire to Move
According to HITC, Ederson has communicated his desire to accept the lucrative offer from Al-Nassr, making him the world’s highest-paid goalkeeper. Despite this, both the Brazilian and his representatives understand that a new, improved bid is necessary to secure his move to the Middle East.
The 30-year-old’s wish to explore this opportunity has reportedly left Manchester City’s management shocked, particularly as they were negotiating a contract extension to extend his services.
Manchester City had been optimistic about extending Ederson’s current contract, which has two years remaining. The club planned to finalise talks earlier this summer, anticipating a straightforward renewal. However, Ederson’s decision to consider his options has thrown these plans into disarray, prompting a re-evaluation of their goalkeeper strategy.
Potential Impact on Manchester City
Should Ederson secure his move to Al-Nassr, Manchester City will face the significant task of finding a suitable replacement. Ederson has been a critical component of City’s defensive setup, known for his exceptional shot-stopping abilities and distribution skills. His departure would necessitate a strategic acquisition to ensure continuity and maintain their high standards.
While Ederson’s potential move to Al-Nassr is financially beneficial for him, it presents a challenging situation for Manchester City. Losing a player of his calibre would require careful consideration and swift action in the transfer market to find a replacement. City’s ability to attract top talent and their financial resources will be crucial in navigating this potential transition. As negotiations continue, the outcome will significantly impact both Ederson’s career and Manchester City’s preparations for the upcoming season.
