Manchester City identify French international as Ederson replacement for new number one position

Premier League champions Manchester City have identified their replacement for Ederson this summer, should the Brazilian secure an exit from the Etihad Stadium.

Speculation has been rife in recent weeks concerning the future of the Brazil international, following a season that has seen a significant up-turn in the opportunities being handed to back-up choice Stefan Ortega.

The latter has enjoyed strong performances when called upon by Pep Guardiola, with Ederson succumbing to a string of avoidable injuries during the second-half of the most-recent campaign.

However, with a contract running until the summer of 2026 and one final opportunity of a big payday and challenge within the game, Ederson could opt for a bold switch to the Saudi Arabian football divisions as they eye an ambitious approach for the Premier League icon.

While there has been talk that an exit for the Brazilian could lead to a promotion into the number one slot for Stefan Ortega, a new report has revealed that Manchester City have identified a new face to directly replace Ederson.

That is according to the information of journalist Alan Nixon, Manchester City will move for AC Milan and France international superstar goalkeeper Mike Maignan if Ederson was to find an exit from the club this summer.

It is explained that Manchester City’s transfer department are covering themselves in the event of Saudi Pro League investment falling the way of the 30-year-old, and as such Maignan is now their top target for the upcoming summer market.

Maignan has been a mainstay in between the sticks for AC Milan for several seasons now, and the most recent campaign saw him register 42 appearances across all competitions, conceding 52 goals and retaining 15 clean sheets in the process.

The now 28-year-old agreed a deal to sign for AC Milan in the summer transfer window of 2021, arriving at the club from LOSC Lille for a reported fee of €15 million, and being viewed as a direct replacement for the PSG-bound Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Should Manchester City opt to move forward with a deal for a new mainstay number one choice at the club, in the event of an Ederson exit, then the chances of retaining Stefan Ortega are likely to be significantly reduced.

The German stopper is already keep to establish himself as a number one in goal, and should that not be possible at the Etihad Stadium from the start of next season, then he is likely to take up one of a number of opportunities that are likely to emerge in the coming months.