'Blocking Son Heung-min's shot and turning the tables on his life'GK Ortega, now I'm saying goodbye to Manchester City No. 1! Ederson
Jul 04, 2024
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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano dealt with Manchester City's current No. 1 Ederson's entry into Saudi Arabia on the 4th (Korea time).
Romano added: "Man City is aware that Ederson and the leading Saudi club have been negotiating since May. Ederson can leave if the player himself wants to. City are waiting for an official offer from Alnasr or other Saudi clubs," he said of the current turnaround.
Ederson, an active Brazilian national team, wore No. 1 gloves for seven consecutive seasons after moving to Manchester City from Benfica in 2017 for a transfer fee of £35 million. He played 332 games, including cups, without major injuries and long slumps, and had glory days, including six Premier League, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, one European Champions League, one European Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.
He was named the EPL's best goalkeeper over three seasons: 2020, 2021 and 2022.
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If Ederson leaves, Manchester City is holding onto promotion from within rather than recruiting a new goalkeeper. "If Ederson leaves, Stétan Ortega will be the No. 1 goalkeeper," Romano said of the team's internal atmosphere.
Ortega has served as a backup goalkeeper for two consecutive seasons since moving from Arminia Bielefeld to Manchester City in 2022. He played 14 games in the first season and 20 games in the second season, increasing the number of games he played. Ortega, who had a chance due to Ederson's injury in the second half of last season, was reborn as Manchester City's winning hero by blocking Son Heung-min's one-on-one shot against Tottenham.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Arsenal for winning if not for Ortega's good defense. In recognition of his performance, he signed an extension contract with Manchester City until 2026 after the season. If Ortega establishes himself as the main goalkeeper, he will reunite with Son Heung-min at Etihad Stadium on November 24.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
