Fabrizio Romano names key Man City player who ‘could leave’ in shock summer transfer

Fabrizio Romano has revealed Ederson ‘could leave’ Manchester City this summer and said the decision will be ‘up to the player’.

The goalkeeper has been at City for seven years and collected a sixth Premier League title at the weekend, although injury prevented him featuring in the 3-1 win over West Ham United.

Ederson suffered a broken eye sock in last week’s 2-0 over Tottenham Hotspur, with his replacement Stefan Ortega making a crucial late save to deny Heung-min Son’s one-on-one chance. The Brazilian stopper posted a cryptic social media message after the game which read: “No one understands , but me. see you soon.”

And Romano’s recent claims will only increase the scrutiny on the City star’s future. “Éderson could leave Man City in the summer transfer window in case of good proposal, it’s a possibility,” the Italian influencer wrote on X.

“There’s already interest from Saudi Pro League clubs with Éderson considering possibilities at the end of the season. It will be up to the player.”

The 30-year-old has played 43 times this season but hasn’t enjoyed his most convincing campaign at the Etihad. Indeed, Pep Guardiola faced questions concerning whether Ederson is still his no.1 last month after the stopper spent two matches on the bench after returning from a knock.

Ortega’s performances, and four separate injuries suffered by Ederson since the turn of the year, have seen the former gain more prominence in the City squad over recent months. Ortega will play in Saturday’s FA Cup final and make his 20th appearance of the 2023/24 season.

But Guardiola seemed to make a point in Friday’s press conference of referencing how important Ederson remains to his team.

“People talk about the incredible save from Stefan [against Son] many times and it was,” he said. But Eddie has done it before with Son and the same action and saved it,” said the City boss.

“Do you know the reason why we won the Champions League last season? It was Ederson. He made an incredible save against Madrid from the header from [Karim] Benzema. In the final of the Champions League, he was the key player and the key to win.

“We cannot define this period without Eddie. It is impossible. It’s been a strange season for him - four setbacks, four times injured - a keeper four times, with incredible knocks, I’ve never seen that.”