Saudi club Al-Ittihad have reportedly made an approach to sign one of Pep Guardiola’s most important Manchester City players.
Manchester City have had a fairly quiet summer so far, but things have started to pick up over the last couple of weeks.
A handful of young players have been sold, as has Sergio Gomez who has gone back to Spain with Real Sociedad.
Winger Savinho signed for the club earlier this week and fans are very excited to see what he will bring.
But there remains speculation about some City first-team players and one man who could yet depart is Ederson.
Ederson was a target for Al-Nassr recently, but they pulled out due to City’s valuation of the player. But now, Al-Ittihad have made an approach for the Brazilian.
Ederson now wanted by Al-Ittihad, Man City want at least £42m
Ederson was previously a target for Al-Nassr.
They had tried to land the Brazilian and had agreed on personal terms with him. But ultimately, they could not reach an agreement with City over a transfer fee.
After admitting defeat, Al-Nassri proceeded to sign Bento from Athletico Paranaense.
But Ederson, who cost City £35 million, remains a target for the Saudi Pro League, which is hell-bent on luring top stars from Europe.
According to Fabrizio Romano this morning, Ederson has now emerged as a target for another Saudi club. Al-Ittihad have made an approach.
Romano said on X: “Al Ittihad have approached Ederson and he remains keen on move to Saudi Pro League, as he also agreed on terms with Al Nassr but deal collapsed.
“Talks to follow between clubs with Man City to insist on €50/60m (£42m/£50m) valuation, not easy one… but Al Ittihad are trying.”
Al-Ittihad have also been linked with a move for Ederson’s City teammate Kevin De Bruyne recently.
Ederson to Saudi still very possible
Al-Nassr may have pulled out of the race to sign Ederson, but clearly he is still very much a target for the SPL.
It is not out of the question that could still go.
As Romano says, Ederson – branded ‘phenomenal’ by City youngster Jack Wint earlier this year – remains keen on a move, obviously knowing he would be able to earn a huge amount of money by going there.
Given the fact that Stefan Ortega did recently sign a new contract with City, it really shouldn’t be ruled out. Ortega may not have signed that new deal had he not been given some kind of assurances over his playing time.
We will see what happens, and whether Al-Itthad can do what Al-Nassr couldn’t and that is get near City’s valuation, which is very fair.
