Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has confirmed that the club's number one goalkeeper Ederson will be staying at the Etihad Stadium this summer.
There has been huge speculation surrounding Ederson's future during the current window, with the Brazilian giving serious consideration to moving to the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Ittihad were strongly linked with the stopper, who recently admitted that he could leave the Premier League champions before the end of the transfer window.
"There isn't a definitive yet (on my future)," Ederson told reporters while Man City were in the United States on their pre-season tour. "To hear Pep saying that (that he wanted him to stay) was very gratifying. It's now my eighth season with him living many good moments, also some bad ones.
"He's a guy who is easy to work with, he's a football genius and everyone knows that. So it's really good to hear that from him. I'm happy here, having a good moment with my teammates. I'm enjoying as well to get my fitness back on track. I'm very calm, whatever happens is in God's hands."
© Imago
Ederson will stay at Man City this summer
Ederson has lifted 17 trophies during his time at the Etihad Stadium, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League, and it is believed that the Brazilian was looking for a fresh challenge.
A move to Saudi Arabia would have seen the goalkeeper become one of the best-paid players in world football, but Guardiola has now revealed that Ederson will be staying in Manchester.
The Man City boss also said that Stefan Ortega, who is the number two stopper at the club, will also be remaining with the Citizens despite some speculation surrounding his own future.
"It's a huge relief that Ederson and [Stefan] Ortega are staying," Guardiola told reporters ahead of Saturday's Community Shield with Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.
© Imago
Guardiola "really pleased" with Ederson decision
"We couldn't have gone through this unbelievable eight-year process without Ederson. Impossible. His charisma. His consistency. To replace the goalkeeper is tricky in the way that we play, so I'm really pleased he stays. He will start [against Manchester United]."
Ederson made the move to Man City from Benfica in July 2017, and he has represented the club on 332 occasions in all competitions, keeping 155 clean sheets in the process.
Kevin De Bruyne is another Citizens player being linked with a switch to the Saudi Pro League, while the club are seemingly facing a battle to keep hold of Rodri beyond next summer.
Real Madrid have allegedly made Rodri their leading target for next year, while Guardiola only has a contract with the club until the end of next season, so the club could soon transition into a new era.
Matt Law
