According to emerging reports, Manchester City are already eyeing a potential successor for their long-time number one goalkeeper, Ederson Moraes. The speculation arises as rumors swirl that the Brazilian international’s future at the club may not be as secure as it once seemed. Despite Ederson’s integral role in Pep Guardiola’s system, Manchester City appear to be preparing contingencies, with AC Milan and France international goalkeeper Mike Maignan reportedly at the top of their list as an “ideal replacement.”
Ederson has been a vital component of Manchester City since his transfer from Benfica in the summer of 2017, costing the club a reported £35 million. Over the past seven years, he has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dependable shot-stoppers, amassing just under 350 appearances for the Cityzens. His ability to play out from the back and pinpoint distribution have become hallmarks of Guardiola’s tactical blueprint. However, as the 27-cap Brazilian nears the end of his current contract in 2026, whispers of a potential move away from the Etihad have grown louder.
During the recent summer transfer window, Ederson was linked with a possible move to the Saudi Pro League, a destination that has increasingly attracted top talents with lucrative offers. Speaking in July, Guardiola openly acknowledged that his goalkeeper might explore other options. “I don’t know – he has to see maybe now other options,” the City boss remarked. “Of course, I’d like him to stay. Depends now on the clubs. I don’t know the situation; there’s been no contact in the last few days. It’s a matter of training and being with us until the transfer window closes, and then we see what happens.”
This uncertainty has reportedly led Manchester City to identify Maignan as a prime candidate should Ederson decide to leave. A report out of Spain suggests that City are “evaluating options” to ensure their goalkeeping position remains robust for the foreseeable future. The 28-year-old Maignan, known for his sharp reflexes, strong aerial presence, and commanding influence within the box, has impressed both domestically with AC Milan and internationally with France. His rise to prominence has made him a sought-after name among Europe’s elite clubs.
While City’s interest in Maignan might be speculative for now, it speaks to the club’s proactive planning in maintaining their competitive edge. Ederson’s importance to the club cannot be understated, but with the unpredictable nature of football transfers, Manchester City’s efforts to line up a successor highlight the ever-present need for readiness.
Compounding matters, Manchester City’s form has seen an uncharacteristic dip in recent weeks. The reigning Premier League champions have suffered a string of four consecutive losses across all competitions, a run that has sparked concern among fans and pundits alike. Their recent setbacks came against Tottenham Hotspur, AFC Bournemouth, Sporting Lisbon, and Brighton & Hove Albion. These defeats have left City looking uncharacteristically vulnerable, and questions are being asked about the performances of some of their usually reliable stars.
Phil Foden, once touted as one of the brightest young talents in English football, has come under particular scrutiny. Despite featuring in eight Premier League matches this season, the versatile attacker has managed to register only one assist. His influence on games has waned, and his struggles to make a consistent impact have not gone unnoticed. Former Premier League scout Mick Brown recently shared his insights with *Football Insider*, revealing that there is a degree of “concern” within the club regarding Foden’s form.
“Some people at the club are concerned about Foden,” Brown stated. “Guardiola is the best in the business and he knows his players better than anybody. But from what I’ve heard, he’s been disappointed with the influence some of his key players, including Foden, have had in recent weeks and during this run.”
Brown went on to elaborate on why Foden’s form might be suffering. “Foden has struggled because he’s not being supplied by Rodri and De Bruyne,” he explained. “So he’ll count towards that list of players that City have been missing. I keep seeing him disappearing from games and not having a kick for 20 minutes at a time. He’s scored goals in Europe, but mainly in games where City have been dominant.”
For City, Foden’s inconsistency is symbolic of a larger malaise affecting the squad. With key players sidelined or out of form, there has been a significant demand for others to step up. However, as Brown noted, Foden has yet to rise to the challenge. “With the players they’ve been missing, there’s been a lot of demand for him to step up and make things happen, but it’s as if that pressure has got to him. At the moment, they need players to stand up and be counted, and he hasn’t been one of those.”
Manchester City’s current struggles, combined with the uncertainty surrounding Ederson’s future, underscore the challenges facing Guardiola’s squad as they seek to maintain their dominance in both domestic and European competitions. Whether Ederson stays or departs, the club’s commitment to planning for the future remains evident, as does their determination to regain form and consistency in the weeks ahead.