Manchester City’s storied era under Pep Guardiola is facing a seismic shift as another key figure from their 2022-23 Treble-winning squad, goalkeeper Ederson, appears poised to leave the Etihad Stadium for Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray. The 31-year-old Brazilian, a cornerstone of City’s success since his £35 million move from Benfica in 2017, has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Istanbul giants, with negotiations now underway to finalize a transfer fee. This potential departure, following a summer of transfer speculation, marks a significant moment for City as they prepare for the 2025-26 Premier League season, with fans and analysts buzzing over the implications for a team already transitioning after a trophyless 2024-25 campaign.
Ederson’s eight-year tenure at Manchester City has been nothing short of transformative. With six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and a Champions League crown in 2023, he has been integral to City’s dominance, earning the Premier League Golden Glove three consecutive times for his clean-sheet prowess. His pioneering role as a sweeper-keeper, lauded for “unmatched” distribution by former City goalkeeper Shay Given, redefined the position in English football. “Ederson is the best goalkeeper in the world with his feet,” Given said in 2018, a sentiment echoed by fans marveling at his ability to launch attacks with pinpoint passes. Yet, with his contract entering its final year in 2026, City’s openness to a transfer—reportedly to avoid losing him for free—signals a pragmatic shift. “My head is here,” Ederson declared in June 2025, dismissing earlier links to Saudi Pro League clubs as “99% fake news.” However, the allure of a new challenge with Galatasaray, coupled with their ambition to compete in the Champions League, has shifted the narrative.
The transfer talks began with a modest €3 million (£2.6m/$3.5m) offer from Galatasaray, a figure widely seen as undervaluing a goalkeeper of Ederson’s caliber, whose market value is estimated at €20 million. Recent reports suggest a €9 million fee is closer to agreement, with a €7 million annual salary for Ederson, reflecting Galatasaray’s bold push to secure a long-term successor to their veteran keeper Fernando Muslera. “Ederson has emerged as a potential target as he is entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium,” noted one report, highlighting City’s strategic decision to negotiate now. The Turkish club’s pursuit of high-profile signings, including a €75 million deal for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, underscores their intent to make a splash in Europe, with Ederson’s elite experience seen as a perfect fit.
For City, losing Ederson would be a significant blow, especially after a season where they relinquished the Premier League title to Liverpool. His absence from the 2024 FA Cup final due to a fractured eye socket from a collision with Tottenham’s Cristian Romero highlighted his importance, with deputy Stefan Ortega struggling in key moments. Guardiola, who once “fought” for Ederson’s signing, praised his “spectacular decade” with the club, noting his “massive contribution” in training and matches. To prepare for a post-Ederson era, City have initiated talks to re-sign 22-year-old James Trafford from Burnley, leveraging a £40 million buyback clause from his 2023 transfer. Trafford’s stellar 2024-25 Championship season has also attracted Newcastle’s interest, but City see him as a natural successor. Other names, including Porto’s Diogo Costa and Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, are also on their radar, signaling a careful transition.
Ederson’s potential exit follows a pattern of Treble winners leaving City, with Jack Grealish also linked to a move away. Social media posts reflect fan anxiety, with one supporter lamenting, “Losing Ederson would hurt more than any outfield player leaving.” His 2023 Champions League final heroics, making crucial saves against Inter Milan, remain a high point, cementing his legacy. Yet, injuries and a dip in form last season, where he admitted, “My season is not really good,” have fueled speculation. Galatasaray’s Champions League aspirations and Ederson’s openness to a new chapter, despite earlier rejecting Saudi offers, suggest a deal is close. As City face Wolves in their Premier League opener on August 16, the clock is ticking to resolve Ederson’s future, with fans hoping their treble hero stays for one more campaign.
Leave a Reply