Journalist Dean Jones has suggested that Manchester City might be open to selling one of their standout players, Ederson Moraes, for a sum of around £50 million this summer.
This claim has generated considerable attention, especially given Manchester City’s history of making strategic decisions when it comes to player transfers, often opting to sell rather than hold onto talent if the price is right.
Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Ederson was contemplating an exit from the Etihad Stadium. Ederson, who has been a pivotal figure for City over the past seven years, has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the world. His contributions have been instrumental in the club’s numerous successes, including six Premier League titles.
On the Ranks FC podcast, Jones discussed the potential transfer, highlighting that initial rumors suggested a bid of around £25 million, a figure he deemed too low for a player of Ederson’s caliber.
Jones argued that a more realistic offer would need to be in the region of £50 million for City to seriously consider parting with their “special” goalkeeper, a term used by former player Joleon Lescott to describe Ederson in the Daily Mail.
A £50 million transfer fee would be a significant yet reasonable amount for Ederson, considering his stature and the two years remaining on his current contract.
Manchester City originally signed Ederson for £35 million in 2017, meaning that selling him for £50 million would not only be a fair valuation but also potentially yield a £15 million profit.
This financial aspect is crucial, as it aligns with City’s strategy of ensuring that the transfer fees they command reflect the player’s value, contract length, and age.
Ederson, at 30 years old, still has many years left at the top level, given the longevity typically associated with goalkeepers. His consistent performances and ability to maintain high standards make him a desirable target for many top clubs around the world. Thus, from a financial perspective, a £50 million deal seems appropriate.
However, the decision to sell Ederson goes beyond financial considerations. Ederson has been a cornerstone of City’s defensive unit, providing stability and confidence from the back.
His skills in distribution and shot-stopping have been critical to City’s style of play under Pep Guardiola. Therefore, whether it makes sense for City to sell Ederson, even for a substantial fee, remains a topic of debate.
Ultimately, the potential sale of Ederson would hinge on various factors, including Manchester City’s plans for reinforcements and their assessment of the goalkeeper’s future contributions to the team.
While £50 million is a significant sum, City would need to carefully weigh the benefits of such a transfer against the impact of losing a player who has been central to their success over the years.
The summer transfer window will undoubtedly bring clarity to this speculation as clubs across Europe vie for top talent.