One of Manchester City’s longest-serving players confirms that he was presented with an “unusual proposal” to leave the Etihad Stadium during the summer transfer window.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola held “countless conversations” with one of his players over a potential departure in the summer.
The Spaniard has recently been answering questions on his own future with less than a year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
However, much of the talk during the previous transfer window was regarding the possible exits of several of his key players.
As well as Julian Alvarez leaving for Atletico Madrid, offers were allegedly arriving from the Saudi Pro League for the elder members of the squad.
Kevin De Bruyne fell into that bracket before ultimately continuing his legendary stay with City, while speculation persisted that Kyle Walker was also on the radar.
© Imago
Ederson opens up on transfer interest
Nevertheless, it was long-serving goalkeeper Ederson who appeared to have most chance of moving onto pastures new, even with two years remaining on his contract.
Guardiola has already acknowledged that there were bids on the table for the Brazil international, albeit offers that did not meet City’s valuation.
Speaking in an interview with TNT Sports in Brazil, Ederson has revealed that there was an important proposal on the table which led to “countless conversations” with Guardiola.
The 31-year-old said: “There really was a proposal on the table, something that weighed heavily, because it was an unusual proposal.
“I had countless conversations with Guardiola, and one of them was essential. But from what he told me, the guarantees, the process and the evolution I had with him…all of that was essential for my staying at City.”
© Imago
Could the situation change in the future?
City have rarely stood in the way of a player who wants to leave the club and the same is expected to apply to Ederson given his legendary status.
There is already a feeling that a new era could begin at the Etihad Stadium next summer with Hugo Viana having already been confirmed as the club’s new sporting director.
Until Guardiola makes a decision on his future one way or another, there will continue to be speculation regarding the Spaniard as well as other players such as Walker and De Bruyne.