Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opened up about the uncertainty that surrounded Ederson’s future at the Etihad during the summer, admitting that he was keen to keep the Brazilian goalkeeper onboard, Soccernet.football reports.
Reports strongly linked Ederson with a potential move away from the Premier League champions during the transfer window. The Brazilian attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League, with both Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad reportedly keen to secure his services.
Guardiola has now revealed that the 31-year-old shot-stopper was close to leaving the Etihad, with a move almost materializing. However, the negotiating parties failed to reach an agreement on the transfer fee.
Ederson has recorded 113 clean sheets in 257 Premier League appearances, helping City to 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite conceding eight goals and keeping just one clean sheet in City’s seven Premier League matches so far this season, Ederson remains an important figure for Guardiola’s side as they chase a fifth consecutive league crown.
Guardiola has expressed his satisfaction at keeping the Brazilian, who continues to play a vital role for the team; “He is an important figure with our team,” Guardiola told the club’s website as per beIN Sports.
“We are lucky to have him, and I hope he is happy. Eddy knows us really well and what we have to do. He knew from day one that I didn’t want him to leave. The truth is the offer didn’t come. The real offer.
“They make an offer but the keeper, who won four Premier Leagues in a row, he has a value and a price. Otherwise, he cannot leave.
“If the offer did come, maybe he should not be here. This is the truth. Ederson is so strong, but when he changed his mind, in one second he said he is here, and he is going to do his best.”