Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that he feels "lucky" to still have goalkeeper Ederson in his first-team squad.
Since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2017, Ederson has established himself as one of the top stoppers in world football.
As well as making 341 appearances in all competitions, the Brazil international has won 18 pieces of silverware under Guardiola.
However, during the most recent transfer window, there was frequent speculation that the 31-year-old could make the switch to the Saudi Pro League.
Despite known interest from the Middle East, City were ultimately able to retain the services of Ederson for at least another season.
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Guardiola comments on Ederson situation
Ederson has since made seven starts in an unbeaten opening to the new Premier League campaign, albeit with his only clean sheet coming on the first weekend of the season at Chelsea.
Nevertheless, Guardiola has talked up the importance of keeping Ederson at City as they bid to win a record-extended fifth Premier League title in a row and second Champions League crown in three years.
As quoted by The Mirror, Guardiola said: "He's an important figure with our team. Of course at the end it didn't happen. We are lucky to have him. Hopefully, he's happy. He knew from day one I didn't want it, we didn't want it.
"The truth is the offer didn't come – the real offer, because they made an offer, but for the keeper of the team who won four Premier Leagues in a row, they have a value, a price. Otherwise, he cannot leave.
"If the offer (had come) maybe he would not be here. This is the truth. Ederson is so strong. It can be an idea (to leave) but after, when they change their mind, in one second they say, 'OK, I'm here, I'm going to do my best'."
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Could Ederson leave next summer?
While Ederson remained at the club on this occasion, City face a tougher task to retain his services in the long term.
Just 21 months are still to go on his contract and it may take a change of heart with regards the next phase of his career to tempt him into a renewal.
For 2024-25, though, Ederson will stay put, Stefan Ortega acting as his deputy and attempting to prove himself ahead of potentially succeeding Ederson as number one during the next campaign.
Darren Plant
