Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson wants to leave the Premier League champions after a pivotal moment in last season's title race.
With the Brazilian having been substituted against Tottenham Hotspur in their penultimate match of 2023/24, his understudy, Stefan Ortega, produced a match-defining save. Ortega spread to save Man City from Son Heung-min's strike to help his side earn three points and to ensure they were in control of the title race. In the end, it was a moment that was claimed to be season-defining.
Following that match, Ederson posted two photos of his contributions, alongside the caption, “No one understands, but me. See you soon.” The moment appears to have irked the 30-year-old.
It is reported that the reaction to the moment, has impacted his desire to move. Ederson turned down offers from the Saudi Pro League 12 months ago but appears to be more open on this occasion.
City are reluctant to let their shot-stopper go, but will not stand in his way. Though Pep Guardiola's side are said to want £50million for his services.
That has seen Al Nassr stand aside but Al Ittihad step in. Guardiola remains uncertain of his goalkeeper's future.
“I don’t know – he has to see maybe now other options,” said the City boss. “Of course I’d like him to stay. It depends now on the clubs. I don’t know the situation.
“No contact in the last days. A question of training and being with us until the transfer window finishes and we see what happens.”
It was a response in great contrast to Guardiola's stance on Kevin De Bruyne. Speaking to reporters ahead of City’s opening pre-season game, the Catalan coach stated: "Kevin isn’t leaving.”
That is despite the Belgian exploring his options. De Bruyne has held talks with new MLS franchise San Diego FC, as well as preliminary discussions over a move to Saudi Arabia. “At my age you have to be open to everything,” he told HLN in June.
“You're talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the end of my career."
Should Ederson depart this summer, Ortega will be hopeful of earning the No.1 spot at the Etihad. The German national signed a one-year extension at the club in June to keep him in the north west until 2026.