“It’s over” – Manchester City superstar confirms final decision on Etihad Stadium transfer future

Manchester City’s Ederson has confirmed a final decision has now been made on his Etihad Stadium future following drawn-out interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.

The 30-year-old shot-stopper has long been linked with a move to the Middle-East throughout the ongoing summer transfer window, having opened himself up to new opportunities away from the Etihad Stadium following the conclusion of last season.

That openness to a new challenge saw Al-Nassr emerge as the strongest initial suitor for the Brazil international. However, the side who also employ the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane were unwilling to exceed their opening proposal of £25 million.

With Manchester City demanding a fee of around £50 million, Al-Ittihad entered the race for the player and tested Etihad Stadium bosses’ resolve with their own proposal, but swiftly turned to other options when it became apparent there was no room for negotiation.

Having now held conversations with all those involved at Manchester City, including manager Pep Guardiola and the sporting director Txiki Begiristain, Ederson has now confirmed a final decision has been made on his club future.

Speaking during a recent interview with ESPN Brasil’s Joao Castelo-Branco, Ederson was quizzed on comments made during Manchester City’s pre-season regarding his future not being ‘defined’, as well as whether a final decision has now been made.

“When I said my future wasn’t defined it was because there were offers, but I didn’t… The moment I went to America (for pre-season) I was not dealing with them. That’s why I said it,” Ederson explained.

“Of course, the media says many things, and ends up sometimes inventing a little more. But I’ve already decided my future, especially after the conversation I had with Guardiola this season. I’m totally focused here at Man City along with my teammates in search of more titles.”

Further clarifying his stance on remaining at the Etihad Stadium beyond the ongoing summer transfer window, Ederson said, “(The situation has now) Ended, ended. It’s over, I will stay.

“Especially after I spoke with some players, I spoke with the coach, goalkeeper coach (Xabier Mancisidor), with the (sporting) director (Txiki Begiristain), I spoke to everyone. So I talked to my family, too. And of course it was a joint decision that we will stay more, more years here.”

But what exactly was discussed during the ‘private conversation’ between Pep Guardiola and Ederson? The Manchester City shot-stopper was keen to keep things behind-closed-doors, but did hint towards some of the words issued by the Catalan tactician.

“I can’t put the agenda on here now. But it was a matter of two men; he expressed what he wants, the decision he wanted me to make, asked me to think carefully and with care, the best decision for me and my family, and I ended up deciding.

“So I guess this chat with him was fundamental to my decision. Let’s go in search of the seventh (Premier League title now)! Seventh, no! The fifth consecutive!”

There remains an intention from the part of Manchester City officials to extend the contract of Ederson at the football club, and financially reward the player for not only turning down the millions on offer in Saudi Arabia, but also for his contributions at the Etihad Stadium.

Signing the Brazilian to a new agreement would make it a clean sweep within their goalkeeping department this summer when it comes to contractual renewals, with both Stefan Ortega Moreno and Scott Carson also committing their services to Manchester City.