Ederson reveals intervention by Pep Guardiola that persuaded him to reject an ‘unusual proposal’ from Saudi Arabia in favour of staying at Manchester City in the summer

Pep Guardiola’s timely intervention was key to Ederson’s decision to turn down a proposal from the Saudi Pro League, the Manchester City stopper has revealed. 

The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move to Al-Ittihad in the summer following speculation that he had become unsettled at the Etihad. Back-up Stefan Ortega had deputised admirably during Ederson’s spells on the sideline with injury. 

And the German received rave plaudits for his performance against Tottenham, which included a crucial late safe from Son Heung-min, that played a huge part in deciding the Premier League in City’s favour. 

Ederson has admitted that the offer from Saudi Arabia was tempting but revealed that conversations with his manager persuaded him to continue his stay in Manchester. 

‘There really was a proposal on the table, something that weighed heavily, because it was an unusual proposal… I had countless conversations with Guardiola, and one of them was essential.’ He told TNT Sports Brasil. 

Back-up stopper Stefan Ortega had his time in the limelight last term with a series of impressive performances, including against Tottenham

‘But from what he told me, the guarantees, the process and the evolution I had with him… All of that was essential for my staying at City.’

Ederson has revolutionised the goalkeeping since his arrival from Benfica in 2017. The Brazilian has won 18 trophies at the Etihad in his seven years at the club, including six Premier League crowns and the Champions League. 

Despite Ortega’s heroics last term, Guardiola was still keen to publicly back his No1. 

‘Do you know why we won the Champions League?’ Guardiola asked after City’s vital win over Spurs. asked. ‘It was Ederson. In Madrid, 1-1, he made an incredible save from a header from Benzema.

‘The Champions League final, he was the key player, the key to winning. We cannot define the period without Eddie, impossible.’

The 31-year-old has played in nine of City’s 11 matches this season, with the defending champions just a point off the Premier League summit after an unbeaten start.