I think he’s one of the Premier League’s best ever - Nedum Onuoha’s verdict on Manchester City transfer saga

Nedum Onuoha has said he hopes Ederson remains at Manchester City this summer and claimed he is one of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history.

The Brazilian is the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia and admitted last week that his future has not yet been decided. It’s understood the goalkeeper is keen on a summer exit after seven trophy-filled years at the Etihad, but Ederson also recently said he will be ‘happy’ wherever he ends up at the end of this summer’s transfer window.

But one former City centre-back feels his exit would be a huge loss given how fundamental the stopper is to Pep Guardiola’s tactical plans.

“I think if Ederson were to leave it would be a big loss. I think people quickly forget their history and when you think about the change that Man City has seen in seven or eight years, one of the key ones is the ability to play with one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers the Premier League has ever seen,” Onuoha told ManchesterWorld during a kids’ Kellogg’s summer camp in Manchester.

“When you roll the ball back to him it’s like having an outfielder. That’s a fundamental change to the way City play and a fundamental change to English football. For Ederson, he has played in so many big moments and made so many big saves - I always think back to the Champions League final [in 2023]. That was huge.

“I’d wager if he wouldn’t have been there for those seven years, City wouldn’t have been as successful. I hope he stays and if he ends up not staying because he wants to seek happiness elsewhere, I wish him nothing but the best. But he’s one of the best goalkeepers the Premier League has ever seen. I’d be more than happy to see him stick around.”

If Ederson does leave, it’s likely Stefan Ortega could be his replacement as City’s no.1 following two years playing as his back-up. The German made 20 appearances last term and his late save to deny Heung-min Son from scoring in the penultimate Premier League match of the season may well have secured City the 2023/24 title.

While Onuoha concedes that losing Ederson would be a blow, he feels City’s deputy is also among the league’s top goalkeepers.

“Stefan has played in plenty of big games as well,” the ex-defender explained. “Obviously last season, you can talk about two moments - a bit of an error for the goal in the FA Cup final, but then there was the save that people will probably talk about until the end of time against Heung-min Son at Spurs in that must-win game.

“Stefan is just as good with his feet [as Ederson]. He doesn’t have as many games in the bank as Ederson does, but he has the potential to be just as important. I think to have two goalkeepers that could be starting every week is amazing, but the downside is there is always disappointment for one. 

“If Ederson was to leave - and I’d prefer if he didn’t - I think the City fans have grown to see that if Stefan Ortega is in nets it’s not a worry. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.”