Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that he is unsure whether another one of his key players will stay this summer amid doubts over Kevin De Bruyne’s future.
De Bruyne has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, having entered the final 12 months of his contract at City.
Guardiola rubbished claims that the Belgian would depart the Etihad Stadium, though, telling reporters that he is ‘not leaving’.
A much-changed City side lost 4-3 to Celtic last night in their opening pre-season friendly in California, with a number of first team regulars missing due to their participation at Euro 2024 and the Copa America.
The only first team stars in the starting XI were Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish, while Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb and Stefan Ortega also started.
There was also a second half substitute appearance for goalkeeper Ederson, who was ruled out of Brazil’s Copa America campaign due to suffering a fractured eye socket against Tottenham at the end of last season.
The Brazilian is another who has been heavily linked with a move away from City, with Al Ittihad believed to be readying a bid for the 30-year-old.
But unlike in the case of De Bruyne, Guardiola did not adamantly state that Ederson would not depart the club when asked in his post-match press conference.
He told reporters: “I don’t know if Ederson will stay. He has to make a decision.”
According to Fabrizio Romano, City would be open to selling the goalkeeper if they receive an offer of between €50 million and €60 million.
It is claimed that he has already agreed personal terms with Al Ittihad.
During Guardiola’s reign in charge, it has been relatively rare for the Spaniard to allow players who are key to his plans to leave the club.
But he did sanction Riyad Mahrez’s departure to Al Ahli last summer, with Jeremy Doku coming in as his replacement.
If Guardiola does let Ederson leave, Stefan Ortega’s excellent performances as a stand-in may give him the opportunity to claim the number one spot, but it appears likely that City would go back into the goalkeeper market regardless.
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Topics: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Football, Ederson, Premier League