Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is reportedly increasingly likely to move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
The 31-year-old has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in world football during his eight-year spell at the Etihad Stadium, where he has won more Premier Legue titles than any other goalkeeper in the division's history.
Ederson has celebrated six English top-flight triumphs in total and has won another 12 trophies during his time at Man City, where he has kept 162 clean sheets in 360 appearances across all competitions.
The Brazil international had been Man City's undisputed first-choice shot-stopper under Pep Guardiola, but Stefan Ortega has regularly stepped in between the sticks during what has been a turbulent 2024-25 campaign for the Citizens.
Like several players in Man City's squad, Ederson's form has dipped this term and he has conceded 43 goals in 28 appearances across all tournaments thus far, keeping just seven clean sheets.
Ederson will enter the final year of his contract at Man City this summer and the ball-playing goalkeeper has been tipped to seek pastures new after coming close to leaving last year.
© Imago
Ederson set for Saudi switch this summer?
Indeed, Ederson was the subject of strong interest from Saudi Pro League clubs last summer, but Man City allegedly stood firm on their valuation of the goalkeeper, believed to be in the region of £40m to £50m.
According to Football Insider, Middle Eastern trio Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al Ittihad have all entered the race to sign Ederson and there is a 'strong possibility' that he moves to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
It is understood that Ederson's contract situation will give interested suitors the opportunity to complete a marquee signing at a 'cheaper-than-usual price'.
Man City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany recently told Sports Mole that there is "a very strong chance" that Ederson leaves the club this summer.
Ederson is not the only Citizens star who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, as both Mateo Kovacic and Kevin De Bruyne - who is out of contract this summer - have allegedly attracted interest from the Middle East over the past 12 months or so.
Man City would be required to sign a replacement goalkeeper if Ederson were to leave, but it remains unknown as to whether they would target a new No.1 or promote Ortega and recruit an understudy.
Oliver Thomas
