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Man City identify Serie A goalkeeper as 'potential Ederson replacement' ahead of next summer's rebuild

Ederson replacement: Man City identify Serie A goalkeeper as transfer target?
© Imago
Manchester City reportedly identify a Serie A goalkeeper as a replacement for Ederson, but the potential transfer fee may prove to be a stumbling block in any possible deal.

Manchester City have reportedly identified Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio as a potential replacement for their current number one Ederson.

The Brazil international has spent over seven years at the Etihad Stadium after arriving from Benfica in the summer of 2015.

Ederson has enjoyed significant success during his time with the Citizens, helping the club win six Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups, a Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup.

The goalkeeper's trophy-laden stay in Manchester looked set to come to an end in the summer transfer window following intense interest from the Saudi Pro League.

As it proved, a move to Saudi Arabia failed to materialise, ensuring that Ederson remained at the Etihad Stadium for the current campaign.

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson pictured on August 31, 2024© Imago

Man City identify Di Gregorio Ederson replacement

Unfortunately for Man City, it has proven to be a difficult season, demonstrated by the fact that they have won just one of their previous 12 matches in all competitions (D2, L9).

In a bid to spark an upturn in fortunes, Guardiola opted to drop Ederson earlier this month, giving Stefan Ortega the chance to start three consecutive Premier League games against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.

Ederson returned to the starting lineup for the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the derby, before he sat out Saturday's defeat to Aston Villa due to an injury issue.

The Brazilian will look to reclaim the number one spot when he returns to action, but there is some uncertainty as to whether he will still be wearing the Man City badge next season, with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2026.

According to Calciomercato, Man City are considering Juventus goalkeeper Di Gregorio as a potential candidate to replace Ederson next summer.

Pep Guardiola is set to overhaul his squad next summer following their poor form this term, and the goalkeeper position could be one that he will look to refresh.

Di Gregorio impressed in Juventus' Champions League win over Man City last month to put his name firmly on the Premier League club's radar.

Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio on December 22, 2024© Imago

Di Gregorio's valuation could hamper potential Man City transfer

Di Gregorio joined Juventus from Monza on a season-long loan deal in the summer, with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

Juventus will pay around €16m (£13.3m) to complete the permanent signing of Di Gregorio, who has already agreed to sign a long-term contract until the summer of 2029.

As a result, Juventus are reluctant to part ways with the 27-year-old and will only consider changing their stance if they receive a significant proposal.

With that in mind, Man City may struggle to secure the signature of a goalkeeper who has been a regular fixture in Thiago Motta's side this season.

Di Gregorio has featured in 12 of Juventus' 17 Serie A matches, keeping seven clean sheets and conceding 10 goals in that period.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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