Premier League
Pep Guardiola Puts An End To Ederson Moraes Transfer Speculation
Pep Guardiola says he is relieved Ederson Moraes is staying at Manchester City after previous speculation suggested the goalkeeper could leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.
The Brazilian goalkeeper was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in July, and Guardiola acknowledged that he was uncertain about the player’s future at the club.
Although the 30-year-old was expected to sign a new contract.
Rumors suggested that he felt unsettled by the response to understudy Stefan Ortega’s crucial save during the match against Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the last season.
Ederson later confessed that he was uncertain about whether he would remain with the club or seek a new opportunity.
However, no transfer has taken place so far, and he is set to play in Saturday’s Community Shield as City looks to revenge their FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United earlier in 2024.
Speaking ahead of the game, Guardiola said, “It’s a huge relief that Eddie [Ederson] and Stefan stay.
“You can’t understand this unbelievable process we’ve lived these many, many years without Ederson, it’s impossible.
“His charisma, his consistency and to replace the keeper always is tricky with the way we play and many things.
“So, I’m pleased he’s staying and, of course, Stefan, congratulations, he deserves the contract, not for the save against Spurs but for the [whole] two years, how good he’s been in the cup competitions.
“Now they play for one position both of them are going to play a lot of minutes.”
Ederson has made 332 appearances in all competitions for City since arriving from Benfica in 2017, helping the club win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups and the 2022/23 Champions League.
He featured in 33 Premier League matches last season, and a few injuries allowed Ortega to shine with several crucial saves.
However, Ortega also made a significant error in the FA Cup final, which played a role in their defeat.
