Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola conceded the future of goalkeeper Ederson was out of his hands amid rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia.
Al-Ittihad have been widely credited with having an interest in the Brazil international, who has been at City for seven years and been an instrumental figure in six Premier League triumphs as well as the Champions League success in 2023.
Ederson came on at half-time during City’s first pre-season game in North Carolina last night – a 4-3 defeat to Scottish champions Celtic – after which Guardiola admitted he’s not sure if the 30-year-old will still be at the club come the start of the season.
He said: “He has to see maybe other options. Of course, I’d like him to stay but it depends on other clubs.
“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.
“We have an incredible three keepers, especially the two that play regularly. It’s a really important position. What we have is perfect but until the last day of the transfer window anything can happen.”
“I don’t really know the situation”
Pep Guardiola gives his thoughts on Ederson’s Manchester City future after the goalkeeper was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League ⏩ pic.twitter.com/XAuQ7RNRit
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 24, 2024
Losing a player of that importance would surely mean Guardiola dips into the transfer market to sign another goalkeeper, although not necessarily a number one as Stefan Ortega impressed when given a chance last season.
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Phillips could also leave City
Another player whose City career looks in doubt is midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips has failed to hold down a regular place at the Etihad after signing from Leeds in 2022 while a loan spell at West Ham failed to convince then England boss Gareth Southgate he was worthy of a place in his Euros squad.
The 28-year-old played the first half against Celtic with Guardiola suggesting Phillips knows he will be moving on.
He said: “I don’t know what’s going to happen. He knows the situation, and we’ll see.”
City’s other pre-season fixtures
City’s US tour continues against Milan in New York on Saturday (11pm BST), Barcelona in Orlando on July 31 (midnight BST) and Chelsea in Ohio on August 3 (10.30pm BST).
They start their season against Manchester United in the Community Shield on August 10 and travel to Chelsea eight days later for their Premier League opener.
