Ederson Commits to Manchester City Amid Saudi Interest
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has confirmed he will remain at the club for the upcoming season, rejecting lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian clubs.
The Brazilian shot-stopper had been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, with both Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal expressing strong interest in securing his services. However, after productive talks with manager Pep Guardiola, Ederson has decided to stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Ederson said last month that he was yet to decide on his future, but that changed after talks with Guardiola and others in the City hierarchy.
The 30-year-old has now committed his future to the club, telling ESPN Brazil after Saturday’s Community Shield victory over Manchester United: “The decision has been made.
“I will stay at Manchester City this season. I spoke to Pep and it was key.
“I’m happy to stay, I’m fully focused on winning more titles here. I’ve also spoken to the board, the directors, my teammates and I’m staying.”
Ederson saved a spot-kick from Jadon Sancho as City beat Manchester United on penalties at Wembley on Saturday, with Jonny Evans sending his shot over the bar before Manuel Akanji won it for City.
He was also instrumental in converting Man City’s fifth when a missed goal would have given Manchester United victory, leading Guardiola to describe him as the club’s top penalty taker alongside Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
Ederson has kept 112 clean sheets in 250 Premier League appearances for Manchester City, putting him joint seventh in the overall tally of clean sheets, alongside Peter Schmeichel.
Petr Čech (162), David de Gea (147), David Seaman (137), Pepe Reina (134), Hugo Lloris (127) and Tim Howard (116) are the only goalkeepers with more.
