Pep Guardiola has revealed Manchester City rejected a summer transfer offer from the Saudi Pro League for Ederson.
The Premier League champions stood firm over interest in their No.1 – widely rumoured to be from Al Nassr – as Guardiola looked to keep the Brazil international in Manchester.
Despite the 31-year-old reportedly considering a switch to the Middle East, Guardiola played a key role in retaining him at the Etihad Stadium, ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Pep Guardiola on Ederson to Al Nassr
Guardiola offered a frank update on the story, when asked about the validity of the rumours, and the Catalan coach admitted he was concerned over Ederson being tempted away.
“He knew from day one, that I didn’t want it (him to leave)”, Guardiola stated after City’s 3-2 weekend win over Fulham.
“The offer didn’t come” ???
Pep Guardiola says that Ederson only remained with Man City this summer because no club met their asking price.#ManCity #MCFC #bbcfootball ??
— BBC Sport Manchester (@BBCRMsport) October 7, 2024
“But in truth, and I will tell you the truth, the offer…the real offer, never came. They made an offer, but to be the keeper who has won four Premier League titles in a row, they have a value.
“Players like that have a price, otherwise they cannot leave. If a different offer (had come) maybe he would not be here. This is the truth.
“(Was I worried?) Yes of course. He’s an important figure within our team. The success we’ve had, without Eddie I cannot visualise. He’s made truly incredible saves.”
Ederson’s Man City contract, transfer value, stats
Guardiola signed Ederson from Benfica in 2017, and the shot stopper has gone on to make 257 EPL appearances, with a total of six league titles, and one UEFA Champions League crown.
His current City deal runs until the end of the 2025/26 season, with the club open to a renewal, and his current transfer value is set at around £30m ($38m).
