“We Are Lucky to Have Him, and I Hope He Is Happy.” Pep Guardiola Acknowledges Importance of Saudi Target Ederson
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken up about the Saudi interest in his number one goalkeeper, Ederson, noting that the Brazilian has been a critical element of their success so far this season.
Ederson, 31, reportedly agreed personal terms with Al Nassr last summer, but the two clubs failed to reach an agreement on the transfer fees. With the PIF issuing clubs directives to focus on financial prudence, Al Nassr were keen not to pay over the top and consequently failed to match Man City’s valuation.
Speaking on the differences in Ederson’s valuation, Guardiola noted, “They make an offer, but the keeper who won four Premier Leagues in a row, he has a value and a price. Otherwise, he cannot leave.” The difference between Man City’s asking price and Al Nassr’s bid was €12, with the Saudi Pro League side placing a bid of €30 million and Manchester City holding out for €42 million.
During his time at Manchester City, Ederson has won 18 trophies, including the English Premier League (6), FIFA Club World Cup (1), UEFA Super Cup (1), Community Shield (3), League Cup (4), FA Cup (2), and UEFA Champions League (1). With Ederson playing a central role in those successes, it’s no wonder Al Nassr targeted him during the summer transfer window.
With no sign of their bid being accepted, Al Nassr quickly moved on to another Brazilian, Bento, from Athletico Paranaense. The 25-year-old has two caps for Brazil and made his international debut against England. His Al Nassr start was less than stellar, as Al Nassr conceded four goals in the Saudi Super Cup against Al Hilal.
Since then, Bento has made six league appearances, keeping three clean sheets. With new manager Stefano Pioli steadying the ship after some turmoil at the start of the season, Bento looks set to have a decent season. Hopefully, it will be enough to convince the Al Nassr hierarchy that refusing to overpay for Ederson was a wise move.
