For nearly a decade, Ederson Moraes has been the bedrock of Manchester City’s dominance, revolutionizing the goalkeeper’s role with his audacious passing and unflappable presence. The 29-year-old Brazilian, signed from Benfica for £35 million in 2017, has been instrumental in securing six Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, two FA Cups, and a host of other trophies. Yet, as the 2024-25 season unfolds, whispers of his departure have grown into what some call an “open secret.” With his next move reportedly “accelerating,” Ederson appears poised to leave the Etihad, with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad intensifying negotiations to lure the star shot-stopper to the Middle East. As City face a potential rebuild, the departure of their “perfect” goalkeeper signals the end of an era.
Ederson’s transformative impact on Manchester City cannot be overstated. His pinpoint distribution and composure under pressure redefined goalkeeping in the Premier League, earning praise from manager Pep Guardiola, who once called him “the best goalkeeper in the world with his feet.” This season alone, Ederson has recorded four assists, pushing his top-flight total to seven—a Premier League record for a goalkeeper. “He’s not just a goalkeeper; he’s a playmaker,” Guardiola said after Ederson’s assist in a 5-2 win over Crystal Palace in April 2025. Yet, despite his brilliance, Ederson’s campaign has been marred by inconsistency. Of City’s 33 Premier League matches, he has featured in only 22, with injuries and occasional dips in form leading to Stefan Ortega stepping in. A recent injury setback during the Palace match, where he was substituted after 71 minutes, has only fueled speculation about his future.
The seeds of Ederson’s potential exit were sown last summer when Saudi clubs, reportedly offering astronomical wages, nearly pried him away. “I was tempted, but my heart is with City,” Ederson said at the time, choosing to stay. However, the allure of a new challenge has grown stronger. Al-Ittihad, known for their ambitious recruitment, have ramped up efforts to secure his signature, with talks described as “intensifying.” The Saudi club sees Ederson as a marquee addition to bolster their squad, and sources indicate that his move is gaining momentum ahead of the summer transfer window. “It’s no secret he’s been looking at options,” a teammate reportedly confided, hinting at Ederson’s openness to a lucrative deal in the Middle East.
Manchester City, bracing for a significant loss, are already planning for life after Ederson. The club has identified Porto’s Diogo Costa as the “perfect replacement,” with Guardiola pushing to secure the Portuguese goalkeeper before rivals Manchester United, who also covet the 26-year-old. Costa, boasting 18 clean sheets this season, has given an “initial green light” to joining City, with a £50 million bid potentially enough to trigger his £63 million release clause. “Diogo is ready for the Premier League,” said a Porto insider, signaling confidence in his ability to fill Ederson’s boots. City’s proactive approach reflects their determination to maintain their competitive edge, even as they navigate a transitional period marked by other high-profile exits.
Ederson’s potential departure follows a wave of upheaval at the Etihad. Kevin De Bruyne, the club’s talismanic midfielder, confirmed he will leave when his contract expires this summer, expressing shock at not being offered a renewal. “I wanted to stay, but the club made their decision,” De Bruyne said, hinting at a possible move to the MLS or another Premier League side. Kyle Walker, another City stalwart, joined AC Milan in January on a loan-to-buy deal, while reports suggest Bernardo Silva’s exit to Benfica is also in motion, with the club facilitating his departure. “It’s time for a new chapter,” Silva reportedly told friends, echoing the sentiment of a squad facing a significant overhaul.
The broader context of City’s season adds urgency to these changes. With only eight wins from their first 15 Premier League matches, they sit fourth, trailing leaders Liverpool by a wide margin. A 6-2 aggregate loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League play-off round in February 2025 further exposed cracks in Guardiola’s empire. “This isn’t the City of old,” said former player Alan Shearer, ruling them out of the title race. Amid 100-plus unresolved Financial Fair Play charges, the club is under pressure to refresh its squad while maintaining its status as a global powerhouse.
As Ederson’s move to Al-Ittihad gains traction, fans are left to reflect on his legacy. His 365 appearances, countless clutch saves, and game-changing passes have cemented him as one of City’s greatest signings. Posts on X capture the bittersweet mood, with one fan writing, “Ederson redefined what a keeper can do. Saudi’s gain is our loss.” Yet, with Costa waiting in the wings and Guardiola’s vision intact, City are poised to turn the page. For Ederson, the desert beckons, promising riches and a new challenge—but his departure will leave an indelible void at the heart of Manchester City’s defense.
[](https://www.teamtalk.com/manchester-city/open-secret-perfect-star-leaving-next-move-accelerates)[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/team/manchester-city/)[](https://theplayoffs.news/en/kevin-de-bruynes-next-move-top-five-clubs-that-could-land-the-man-city-star/)