A fresh claim around the future of Ederson has offered insight into the Brazilian’s reaction to widespread praise for Stefan Ortega’s save against Tottenham last season.
The German goalkeeper was at the centre of arguably the most pivotal moment in the Premier League title race last season, denying Spurs’ Son Heung-min at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to ensure that the direction of the top-flight crown remained in City’s hands.
Ortega’s opportunity to retain Manchester City’s clean sheet came after yet another unfortunate injury sustained in-game by first-choice goalkeeper Ederson, in what was somewhat of a theme throughout the campaign for the Brazilian.
Thankfully for Manchester City, the change in goalkeeper during various high-profile matches did not hinder their performances in any way, although aforementioned events in the 0-2 win over Spurs may ultimately have an effect on the future of Ederson.
A new report has detailed the feeling held by the Manchester City goalkeeper in light of analysis and reviews from the Tottenham game, further emphasised by the player’s social media reaction in the days that followed.
That is according to the information of The Athletic’s Sam Lee, who reports that Ederson was ‘affected by the praise’ Stefan Ortega received for his one-on-one save to deny Tottenham’s Son Heung-min in the penultimate match of the season in North London last campaign.
It is pointed out that parts of that praise, largely from Manchester City supporters, included a suggestion that Ederson himself would not have saved it, and as such handed a significant opportunity to Arsenal to claim the title on the final day of the season.
In the days after the match, as reminded by The Athletic, Manchester City’s Brazilian goalkeeper posted two photos of his contributions in the contest against Tottenham on his own Instagram page, captioned, “No one understands, but me. See you soon.”
At present, a move away from Manchester City for Ederson hinges on Saudi Arabian clubs meeting the Premier League champions’ valuation of their goalkeeper, which is understood to stand in the region of £50 million.
Only Al-Nassr have submitted an official proposal to Etihad Stadium decision makers so far, but their £25 million offer fell way short of the City valuation and as such forced a withdrawal of interest and a refocus on other candidates for their goalkeeping ranks.
Fellow Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad remain interested in the player however, and it remains to be seen whether they get any nearer to a valuation that satisfies Manchester City officials in the coming days and weeks ahead.