Manchester City is considering getting a backup replacement for Ederson, their star goalkeeper in this summer transfer window. According to multiple reports, Pep Guardiola is planning to replace the Brazilian goalkeeper, Ederson, with Stefan Ortega, the current backup goalkeeper.
While Ortega will simply be promoted to the first-choice position, the Cityzens as they are fondly called will then be forced to sign another goalkeeper to fill up the backup position.
Ederson Moraes, known simply as Ederson, has been Manchester City’s first-choice keeper since 2017. He joined the club from Portuguese giants, Benfica for a fee of around £35m and has since quickly become a key player under his manager Pep Guardiola. Ederson is known not just for his shot-stopping abilities but also for his skill with the ball at his feet. This made him perfect for Guardiola’s style of play, which involves starting the attacking play from the back.
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Ederson is rumoured to be keen on a move to the Saudi league
According to multiple reports in recent times, Ederson has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. The rumours suggest that Al-Nassr is interested in signing him. If the move happens, Ederson could reunite with former teammates like Aymeric Laporte and other well-known players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Marcelo Brozovic, who have also joined the Saudi club.
The Saudi Pro League has become an attractive destination for many top players because of the mega contracts they offer. Reports also mention that Ederson could receive a €60 million contract if he decides to make the switch.
Ederson’s departure could lead to some tactical adjustments for Manchester City. Ederson is known for his exceptional ability to play with his feet, which allows him to start attacks from the back. Ortega, while a good shot-stopper, does not have quite the same level of ball-playing skills as Ederson. This could mean slight changes in how the team builds up their plays.
Ederson has also been a key figure in the Manchester City dressing room. His departure could affect team morale and dynamics. However, Ortega’s promotion could also serve as a positive boost, giving other players confidence in the club’s squad depth and the opportunities available for those in the background.
Selling Ederson could also provide Manchester City with some funds. These funds could be used to invest in other areas of the team. This will be crucial in maintaining the team’s competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.
Today, goalkeepers are not just shot-stoppers. They are often involved in the team’s overall play, particularly in teams that like to build attacks from the back, like Manchester City. A good goalkeeper today needs to have excellent reflexes, good communication skills, and the ability to play with their feet.
Ederson has set a high standard for what a goalkeeper can do beyond just saving shots. His passing and distribution have often been key to Manchester City’s success. Ortega, if promoted, will need to adapt to these expectations and look to join the league of goalkeepers contributing to their team’s attacking play.
Why Guardiola is trusting Ortega to replace Ederson
Stefan Ortega Moreno is a German goalkeeper who has been second choice for some years at Manchester City. He joined the club in 2022 and has since impressed the coaching staff with his good performances whenever he has been called upon. Ortega is known for his good goalkeeping skills and calm demeanour, making him a reliable second choice for the team.
Ortega’s strong performances last season put some pressure on Ederson, and now, with the possibility of Ederson leaving, he is seen as a ready and capable replacement. Ortega is expected to step up and become the number-one goalkeeper if Ederson departs. He had a string of good games, last season most notably the game against Tottenham where he saved a certain goal from Heung Min Son.
Ortega has shown that he can handle the responsibilities of being a top goalkeeper. His performances in cup competitions and when filling in for Ederson have been strong, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Promoting Ortega from within will also ensure a smooth transition. He is already familiar with Manchester City’s style of play, the expectations of the coaching staff, and the defenders. This familiarity can help maintain stability and avoid the disruption that might come with bringing in a new goalkeeper from outside the club.
Using Ortega as the main goalkeeper could be more cost-effective for Manchester City. Instead of spending a lot of money on a new goalkeeper, they can rely on Ortega and use the funds to strengthen other areas of the team and buy a cost-effective second-choice goalkeeper.
As the new season approaches, Manchester City will need to finalize their goalkeeping situation quickly. If Ederson leaves, they will likely focus on preparing Ortega to take on the role of the first-choice goalkeeper. This preparation will include giving Ortega more playing time in pre-season matches to further acquaint him with his new role as the first-choice goalie.
While Ortega is expected to be promoted, Manchester City will also look to sign a new backup goalkeeper.
Conclusion
Manchester City will hope to get some reasonable income from the sale of Ederson in the transfer window and will seek to invest in strengthening their squad. Stefan Ortega will also need to match the high expectations of being a Pep Guardiola goalkeeper. It is certainly not an easy task, but with the right adjustments and hard work, it is possible.