Josko Gvardiol and Jack Grealish react as Ederson drops Man City exit hint in new message
Ederson looked back on a “special” occasion at Manchester City as speculation grows over his future at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City bounced back from their FA Cup Final defeat to Crystal Palace with a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday, which puts them in pole position to secure a top-five Premier League place.
Pep Guardiola‘s side moved up from sixth to third in the table ahead of the final day on 25 May, to leave Champions League qualification well within City’s grasp as the silver lining to a season of stagnation.
On a night which was dominated by Kevin De Bruyne’s farewell appearance at the Etihad after his exit was confirmed last month; Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez sealed the win for City.
Marmoush’s opener from 35 yards was a late contender for goal of the season, as Silva and Gonzalez added similarly clinical finishes after the latter replaced De Bruyne to score his first Premier League goal.
Ederson sends ‘special’ Man City ahead of potential transfer
Tuesday’s victory saw De Bruyne bow out after 10 years at the Etihad, but another key cog in Guardiola’s side made his return, with Rodri given a first City appearance since his serious ACL injury in September.
De Bruyne won’t be the only City player to head for pastures new this summer, and as speculation looms over the future of Ederson, Guardiola’s number one reflected on a “special” occasion at the Etihad.
In an Instagram post after full-time (21 May), Ederson shared a selection of photos of himself and his family on the pitch, including a black and white image in which he celebrated with the home fans.
Ederson’s team-mates Josko Gvardiol, Jack Grealish and Savinho all liked the post, while his Brazilian compatriot also left a comment of a heart emoji and another heart formed of two hands.
Ederson exit path already laid at Man City
Ederson elected to stay put at the Etihad despite all the riches of the Saudi Pro League on offer last summer, but 12 months on, more offers loom and Man City won’t stand in the goalkeeper’s way this time.
City’s former financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider that a £25million bid could be all that is needed to pry Ederson away from the Etihad, with Guardiola keen to replenish his goalkeeping stocks.
Former England keeper Paul Robinson also told Football Insider that City have their eyes on Gianluigi Donnarumma as a world-class upgrade on Ederson, and that would certainly be a fitting way to replace their long-time number one.