In the ever-evolving saga of Manchester City’s 2024-25 season, a seismic shift is on the horizon. Ederson, the club’s stalwart goalkeeper and a linchpin of their historic success, is reportedly on the cusp of departing the Etihad Stadium. At 31, the Brazilian shot-stopper, whose acrobatic saves and pinpoint distribution have redefined the modern goalkeeper’s role, is the subject of intense speculation. Whispers of his exit have grown into what insiders call an “open secret,” with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad accelerating negotiations to secure his signature. As City brace for a transformative summer, Ederson’s looming departure signals the end of an era and the dawn of a new chapter.
Ederson’s journey at Manchester City, which began with his £35 million move from Benfica in 2017, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over eight years, he’s anchored a defense that powered City to six Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, and a trophy cabinet bursting with domestic honors. His ability to launch attacks with laser-like passes and remain cool under pressure earned him praise as the “perfect” goalkeeper for Pep Guardiola’s system. “Ederson’s distribution is like a midfielder’s,” Guardiola once said, marveling at his keeper’s role in City’s possession-based game. Yet, this season has been a struggle. City, languishing in sixth place and out of the Champions League race, have won just one of their last 12 matches, with Ederson’s injury against Crystal Palace exposing vulnerabilities in the squad.
The seeds of Ederson’s exit were sown last summer when Saudi clubs, flush with cash, dangled massive wages to lure him to the Middle East. He stayed, but the allure of a new challenge has only grown. Al-Ittihad, home to stars like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté, have made Ederson their top target, with sporting director Ramón Planes holding talks with his agent in recent weeks. “Al-Ittihad are determined to secure the services of Ederson,” a source close to the negotiations revealed, noting that discussions are “intensifying” as the Saudi club pushes to finalize a deal. City, open to a squad “evolution,” are reportedly willing to let Ederson go, with the transfer fee—potentially £30 million or more—seen as a key factor in their summer rebuild.
This move comes amid a broader exodus at City. Kevin De Bruyne, the club’s midfield maestro, has confirmed he’ll leave when his contract expires in June, expressing shock at the lack of a new deal. “It came as a bit of a shock. I’m open for anything,” De Bruyne said, even hinting at a Premier League rival as his next destination. Kyle Walker, another City stalwart, joined AC Milan on a loan-to-buy deal in January, while rumors swirl around Bernardo Silva’s potential return to Benfica. Posts on X have fueled speculation, with fans debating whether City’s hierarchy is orchestrating a necessary refresh or risking the collapse of a dynasty.
For Ederson, the move to Al-Ittihad offers a fresh start and a lucrative payday, but it’s not without risk. At 31, he remains in his prime, with 26 caps for Brazil and a reputation as one of the world’s elite keepers. A switch to the Saudi Pro League, while financially rewarding, could dim his international prospects. Yet, the chance to join a star-studded squad and compete in a growing league may outweigh those concerns. “Ederson’s a leader, a winner,” Al-Ittihad’s manager reportedly said, viewing him as the final piece in their ambitious project.
City, meanwhile, have their eyes on Porto’s Diogo Costa as Ederson’s successor. The 25-year-old Portuguese keeper, who has given his “initial green light” to a move, is seen as an ideal fit for Guardiola’s system, with the manager pushing to outmaneuver rivals Manchester United. “Diogo’s young, dynamic, and ready for the Premier League,” a City scout noted, signaling confidence in the transition. The club’s pursuit of other targets, including a £110 million-rated superstar and a double raid on Real Madrid, underscores their intent to rebuild swiftly.
As the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest looms, Ederson’s every save carries added weight, a reminder of his indelible impact. Fans at the Etihad will cherish his final months, knowing a legend is preparing to walk away. Whether he lifts one last trophy or not, Ederson’s legacy—forged through 258 appearances and countless clutch moments—will endure. But as Al-Ittihad’s pursuit accelerates, the countdown to his exit has begun, leaving City to navigate a future without their perfect keeper.