Manchester City are building towards a campaign where they will be vying for the Premier League title, and the Citizens could now be on the verge of securing a key reinforcement to address a priority position.
Manchester City pondering over Ederson's future
Despite the excitement over incomings such as Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri this window, much has been made over Ederson’s uncertain future at Manchester City.
The Brazil goalkeeper has been heavily linked with a move to Galatasaray, and there is an inkling from his side of the table that the opportunity to move elsewhere after a difficult campaign in England would be appealing.
Speaking about his situation, former Manchester City star Nicky Weaver believes Ederson could leave the Etihad Stadium due to the fact that he is in the last year of his contract at the Premier League giants.
He stated: “It’s gathered a bit of pace, especially in recent days. When it gets to this point, it almost looks like it’s going to happen.
“He’s into the last year of his contract now. Most summers he gets linked with a move away but you never think it’s actually going to happen. This summer, I think we could actually see it happening.”
Now, it is important to note that nothing definitive has come to light as of yet. Still, Manchester City’s wish to sign Porto stopper Diogo Costa does indicate Pep Guardiola is in the market for another goalkeeper.
Manchester City’s summer signings so far
Name
Club signed from
Tijjani Reijnders
AC Milan
Rayan Cherki
Lyon
Rayan Ait-Nouri
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Marcus Bettinelli
Chelsea
Sverre Nypan
Rosenborg
With the key question still to be solved between the sticks, the Citizens may have found one part of the answer amid recent developments involving their pursuit of an alternative target.
Romano: Manchester City set to sign Burnley's James Trafford
Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester City are set to sign James Trafford from Burnley after the Englishman agreed a deal to return to his former club to work under Guardiola.
Newcastle United have missed out on his signature and were informed of his decision, leaving the Citizens to wrap up an agreement for a fee well under his £40 million buyback clause.
Later on, Romano confirmed Manchester City will sign Trafford for £27 million and that he is booked in for a medical early next week, stating: “More on exclusive story on James Trafford joining Manchester City: understand medical tests will take place early next week, main part on Monday. Man City to pay £27m fee to Burnley for the goalkeeper, as revealed.”
Enjoying a fantastic campaign at Turf Moor, the 22-year-old kept 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances as Burnley won promotion to the Premier League, leading Scott Parker to label the young goalkeeper “world-class” due to his immense contribution.
Maintaining a save percentage rate of 84.6% in the Championship, Trafford is now back where it all began and will hope to unseat either Ederson or Stefan Ortega for the number one jersey.