“I can’t reveal much” – Ederson opens up on staggering Saudi Arabia transfer offer to leave Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City’s mainstay first-choice goalkeeper Ederson has reflected on the summer and the financial proposal put to him by Saudi Arabia.

The Brazil international was heavily linked with a move away from Manchester City over the summer months, having been identified as an ambitious poster target for a number of clubs in the middle-east.

From the side of Manchester City, and in a stance often taken with their players, they were open to the idea of an exit for Ederson provided they were presented with a financial offer that matched their valuations.

Ultimately, no such club would be willing to present a bid in the region of Manchester City’s £50 million valuation, and as such Ederson has remained at the Premier League champions for the ongoing season.

Speaking during a new interview with ESPN Brasil, Ederson revealed that while the astronomical figures put to him by the Middle-East ‘weighed heavy’ on his mind, conversations with Pep Guardiola ultimately led to his staying at the Etihad Stadium.

“There was an offer on the table, it weighed heavy on me as it was way above the average [wage],” the 31-year-old said.

“But I had countless conversations with Pep, there was a decisive one that I can’t reveal much about, but it was about what he told me, his guarantees, all of what we’ve experienced together here, the evolution I had with him,” he continued.

“There are many players that have evolved immensely with Guardiola. If you don’t develop as a player with Guardiola it’s because you don’t want to. He shows you the way, then it’s all on you to put this theory into practice. He is like our team’s GPS – he gives the route and we follow.”

Ederson’s retained spot as Manchester City first-choice goalkeeper has also had an impact on Stefan Ortega’s place as back-up, with the German believing that he may have emerged as a new number one had the Brazilian left the club.

For now, Ortega has insisted that he remains content with his game time and personal situation with Manchester City, but there is a high chance that one of Europe’s premier clubs could look to take advantage of his status in the squad next summer.