Manchester City star 'considering shock summer exit amid Saudi Pro League interest'

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson will reportedly consider a transfer away from the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The 30-year-old has spent the last seven seasons with the Citizens and has made a total of 332 appearances for the club in all competitions, keeping 155 clean sheets.

Ederson, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football, has been Man City's undisputed No.1 ever since he was signed by Pep Guardiola and has been a key part of the club's recent success.

The Brazil international has won more titles than any other goalkeeper in Premier League history, overtaking Peter Schmeichel, after celebrating his sixth triumph with Man City on Sunday.

Guardiola's side became the first club in English top-flight history to win four titles in a row after beating West Ham United 3-1 on the final day of the 2023-24 season, finishing two points clear of rivals Arsenal in second.

© Reuters

Ederson wanted by Saudi Arabian clubs

Ederson has won a total of 17 trophies during his time at Man City and was part of the squad that won a historic treble last season, including the club's first-ever Champions League triumph.

City's No.31 still has two years remaining on his contract at the Etihad, but it has now been suggested that he could leave the club when the summer transfer window opens.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, it is a "possibility" that Ederson could depart Man City if a "good proposal" is offered to him this summer.

Romano adds that Saudi Pro League clubs have already expressed an interest in signing Ederson, who will be the one who ultimately makes a final decision on whether to remain with the Citizens or seek pastures new.

© Reuters

How will Man City react if Ederson leaves?

The potential departure of Ederson would force Man City into the transfer market for a replacement, but Guardiola may decide to promote Stefan Ortega and make him the club's first-choice shot-stopper.

Ortega has acted as an understudy to Ederson since joining as a free agent in the summer of 2022 and has made a total of 33 first-team appearances, with a significant chunk of those taking place in cup competitions.

The 31-year-old has impressed for the Citizens when called upon, though, and was hailed by Guardiola as "one of the best goalkeeper" he has ever seen after his "incredible" impact as a substitute in a 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur last week.

Ederson fractured his eye socket in the second half of that match - ruling him out for the rest of the season - and was replaced by Ortega, who made a number of key saves to ensure that City claimed three valuable points en route to winning the title.

Ortega is set to start between the sticks when Man City face rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.