‘Man City work on signing top-class goalkeeper as Ederson decision made’
Man City are lining up a deal to sign a top-class goalkeeper as a long-term replacement for Ederson as they prepare for him to leave the Etihad.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained that City are prepared to reinvest any money received from selling the 31-year-old into a new first-choice goalkeeper.
Stefan Ortega is seen as a capable backup, but he is unlikely to break into Pep Guardiola’s starting XI, with new goalkeepers firmly on their radar.
This comes after Robinson told Football Insider on 4 July that City are prepared to accept offers for Ederson amid growing interest from the Saudi Pro League.
After he entered the final year of his contract, the Brazil international is widely expected to walk away from Man City, either this summer or on a free next year.
Football Insider revealed in April that Ederson is attracting “massive” interest from Saudi Arabia and has been considering his options ahead of the summer window.
Man City eye Ederson replacement after ‘big’ claim
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in December that City will listen to “big” offers for Ederson as part of a major overhaul of their squad.
Despite the goalkeeper having shut down rumours surrounding his future, there is still a feeling that a £40-50million bid from the Saudi Pro League could change the situation.
Robinson explained that City are keen to land a goalkeeper in the same bracket as the likes of Alisson, Manuel Neuer, Thibaut Courtois and Jan Oblak.
“You have to sign a good goalkeeper to replace him,” he told Football Insider.
“Ortega has stepped in at times and could do a job, but is he at the top level of the likes of Alisson, Manuel Neuer, Thibaut Courtois or Jan Oblak?
“I’m not sure Ortega is in that bracket, so if you look what City have done with their recruitment, they’re taking that squad on to the next level.
“If Ederson is to leave, then it’s a big gap to fill.
“To replace Ederson, I mean, they paid around £35million for him in 2017.
“If you’re going to go for a top-class goalkeeper at that level, it’s going to cost you a lot of money to be able to replace him.
“If that huge fee comes in from a Saudi club and allows him to move on [this summer], then that might be invested into signing another goalkeeper.”
Tino Livramento update emerges after Kyle Walker exit
Alongside their plans to strengthen in goal, City are also targeting a new right-back after Kyle Walker left the club to join Burnley in recent days.
Brown told Football Insider on 1 July that Man City could accelerate their interest in Livramento after his impressive displays for England at the Under-21 Euros.
However, Newcastle are extremely reluctant to let their best players leave the club this summer and are planning to keep Livramento at St James’ Park.
As a result, Football Insider revealed on 4 July that Newcastle will demand “astronomical” money for Livramento and have set his price tag at around £80million.
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