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Pep Guardiola unsure if Ederson will stay at Man City amid Saudi Pro League transfer interest as he also gives bleak update on Kalvin Phillips’ future
Pep Guardiola has admitted uncertainty over Ederson’s future at Manchester City amid growing interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Ittihad is reportedly prepared to meet City’s valuation of around £50 million ($65 million/€60 million) for the Brazilian goalkeeper, who is believed to have already agreed on personal terms with the Pro League team and is keen to take on a new challenge.
After City’s 4-3 friendly loss to Celtic in North Carolina, Guardiola confessed to being in the dark about Ederson’s future. “I’d like him to stay but it depends on other clubs,” he told reporters. “I don’t know the situation. There have been no contacts in the last days. It’s a question of training, being with us until the transfer window finishes and we’ll see.”
While Ederson’s next season’s destination remains uncertain, Kalvin Phillips seems poised to leave City, likely on another loan spell after a tough period at West Ham. Guardiola subbed Phillips off at halftime against Celtic, explaining the decision was to protect the player following his injury issues last season. “That’s why we didn’t give him more minutes,” Guardiola stated. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. He knows the situation, and we’ll see.”
Should Ederson decide to move on, Guardiola is committed to ensuring City isn’t left vulnerable in the goalkeeping department. Reports indicate that City has identified Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma as a potential replacement.
As City continues its pre-season preparations in the United States, Etihad Stadium’s offices are buzzing with several transfer operations underway. Guardiola’s comments reflect his desire to retain Ederson, but with the increasing allure of the Saudi Pro League, City may face losing their first-choice goalkeeper.