A revelation has emerged about Manchester City exploring the Brazilian market to sign a player this summer.
City have a rich history of signing Brazilians — with names like Ederson Moraes, Fernandinho, Gabriel Jesus, Elano and Danilo springing to mind.
Fabrizio Romano reported last Tuesday that Manchester City’s signing of another Brazilian player in Savio is all but officially confirmed.
The likes of Ederson and Fernandinho in particular proved to be huge successes at the Etihad Stadium and are considered as club legends.
Last Wednesday, it was claimed that the former is open to leaving the club in favour of a move to Al-Nassr this summer.
Ben Jacobs reveals Man City’s Ederson replacement he continues to hear about
It was claimed on Tuesday that the Saudi Pro League club are hoping to seal a deal for Ederson within a week.
If City’s number 31 does depart the club, the question is whether the decision-makers at the Etihad Stadium have a goalkeeper lined up to replace him — even though Fabrizio Romano stated last Wednesday that Stefan Ortega has been earmarked as his successor.
However, journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed on Playback that Athletico Paranaense’s Bento is a goalkeeper he continues to hear about as a potential replacement for Ederson if he leaves Manchester City this summer.
“I’m hearing growing links with Bento potentially and then there is only an if should Ederson leave and contrary to some other reports that I’ve got great respect for, I’m told the number’s not €50 million (£42.2 million) that Manchester City would want.”
Jacobs continued to discuss Ederson’s future, stating: “It’s just in excess of £30 million, which is €40 million or upwards. So maybe a little bit cheaper on the market if he chooses to move and the most likely destination for Ederson if he goes is still Al-Nassr, even though there has been some interest from Al-Ittihad as well.”
“Al-Ittihad’s president, Loay Nazer resigned and there’s a bit of board upheaval there so everything’s on hold at Al-Ittihad at the moment.”
Stefan Ortega would be a safer replacement than Bento
While Bento is a quality goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega would be a superior replacement for Ederson than him.
The German international is accustomed to Pep Guardiola’s style of play — having spent two years at City and for starters, he is far more comfortable in possession than the Brazilian.
As far as shotstopping goes, Ortega has already proven that he is one of the best in the Premier League and perhaps most importantly, he is likely to improve every part of his game with increased playing time.
Bento, if signed by Manchester City would have the massive pressure of replacing Ederson, familarising himself with Guardiola’s tactics and the Premier League.
Ortega has already undergone that process, looked like the real deal and having signed a one-year contract extension, it seems like the club are geared towards trusting him as their number one.
