Revealed: The title-defining moment that could have sealed Ederson’s Man City exit with the Brazilian goalkeeper linked with £50m Saudi switch

Ederson is one of the best goalkeepers in the world – and there are claims he could become No.1 – but he has been linked with a move away from Manchester City in a move that may surprise many.

The Brazilian goalkeeper has been a key cog in Pep Guardiola’s title-devouring machine in recent years. He arrived from Benfica in 2017 for around £33million, replacing Claudio Bravo.

He is widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world and is the undisputed king of the goalkeeper-sweeper-keepers.

However, despite his status in the football world, he has been linked with a move to Al-Ittihad and the Saudi Pro League, with Man City setting a price of £50m.

According to The Athletic, Ederson was willing to sign new terms as his current contract expires in 2026. However, his Brazilian compatriots already playing in the Saudi Pro League were beginning to have confidence that he would join them towards the end of the season.

Stefan Ortega (left) has been Ederson’s deputy since his arrival two summers ago

Ortega (left) signed a new contract with the Etihad in June despite being linked with a move away

Questions have been asked about why he would want to make the move, but it appears there is more to it than just a financial motivation.

Ederson is reportedly touched by the praise his team-mate Stefan Ortega received for his world-class performance against Son Heung-min in a crucial Premier League match against Tottenham.

With the title on the line, Tottenham star Son found himself one-on-one with Ortega. With four minutes to go, Ortega leapt off his goal, arms outstretched, and blocked the South Korean’s effort to potentially secure the title.

More importantly, Ederson had reacted very badly to the substitution he had received earlier in the game after a blow to the head, and he sat on the bench visibly frustrated at having his game cut short.

German goalkeeper Ortega was of course widely praised for his heroics, although some fans suggested that Ederson might not have been able to stop the ball himself, a fact that seems to irritate the Brazilian.

In Guardiola’s eyes, however, it seems there is only one top player, and after that match he was quick to stress that while Ortega’s save was a decisive factor in the title, Ederson was still his number one.

“Do you know why we won the Champions League?” he asked. “It was Ederson. In Madrid, 1-1, he made an incredible save from a Benzema header.

‘The Champions League final, he was the key player, the key to winning. We can’t define the period without Eddie, impossible.’

Ortega spread wide to block Son Heung-min’s shot – who thought he had scored

His save most likely ensured City secured the Premier League title with Arsenal hot on their heels

Ortega has been playing as Ederson’s deputy for the past two seasons, but whenever he has been called up he has performed excellently, even signing his own new contract in June.

He was expected to leave the Etihad having proven himself better than a No. 2, but now he could well be in the ring for the No. 1 position.

City have made a habit of letting players who no longer want to play for the club leave without too much fuss.

Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have joined Arsenal in recent years, while Leroy Sane has left for Bayern Munich and Raheem Sterling for Chelsea.

However, last season, when clubs were keeping an eye on Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker, they made it difficult to keep the duo.

According to The Athletic, Ederson would prefer a move to Europe, but he realises that few can afford the transfer fee that City are seeking.

And Ederson isn’t the only South American star keen to leave, as Guardiola said: “No doubt! We are sure. Maybe one player or one and a half, but the rest will stay.”

Julian Alvarez is reportedly keen on more playing time, but he is unlikely to get it as he is behind Erling Haaland in the pecking order. However, it will be difficult to find a candidate willing to pay the price that City are seeking.

Ederson was forced to be substituted against Tottenham due to a head injury, but was visibly frustrated on the bench

Julian Alvarez is said to be keen to move on, although Manchester City may not be able to let him leave

Guardiola’s team are hoping for a transfer fee of around £60m plus bonuses. Atlético Madrid are reportedly unwilling to pay that price, even though Guardiola could offer the warmer climate the Argentine family is looking for.

Alvarez is currently representing his country at the Olympic Games, having recently won the Copa America, so he will likely need an extended rest period before the season starts.