Mansion Sports - Manchester City has reportedly made it a priority to retain Ederson Moraes as their first-choice goalkeeper through the 2025–26 season, despite mounting interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray and several high-profile clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

A Summer of Major Overhaul for the Cityzens

Pep Guardiola’s squad is undergoing a significant transformation this summer. Alongside farewells to long-serving icons Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker, City has welcomed five new signings as part of their squad refresh. Among these are Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki.

Amidst this wave of change, the future of Ederson remains uncertain, prompting speculation regarding whether he will remain part of Guardiola’s long-term vision.

Galatasaray Confident in Their Pursuit of Ederson

Ederson, who has been a mainstay in goal since arriving from Benfica in 2017, previously turned down a lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian club during last summer’s transfer window. However, Galatasaray has now emerged as a serious contender for his signature.

According to a report from The Independent, the Turkish club is optimistic about its chances of securing a deal for the 31-year-old Brazilian, confident that both player and club may be swayed by the proposal on the table.

Manchester City Determined to Retain Their Number One

Despite the growing speculation, Manchester City is reportedly determined to keep Ederson at the Etihad Stadium. Club insiders view his continued presence as vital for maintaining stability in the goalkeeper position, particularly after Guardiola reinstated Ederson as the starting keeper during the second half of the 2024–25 campaign and in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Keeping Ederson is also seen as a strategic move to protect the club’s key assets, especially with his current contract set to expire in June 2026. Should the club opt to part ways with him after the upcoming season, they risk losing him on a free transfer, forfeiting any potential financial return.

Ederson Addresses Transfer Speculation

In June, Ederson publicly addressed the transfer rumors surrounding his future. In a personal statement, he urged fans not to believe what he described as “fake news,” a strong indication of his comfort and contentment at Manchester City.

This response was widely interpreted as a sign of his willingness to stay, at least in the short term, and reflected a broader sentiment of loyalty amid speculation.

Backup Plans in Place Should Ederson Depart

However, should Galatasaray’s offer prove too tempting—either for Ederson or City’s management—the club has reportedly prepared contingency plans.

One option under consideration is James Trafford, a former City academy product currently playing for Burnley. According to ESPN, City may explore the possibility of activating a buy-back clause to bring the 22-year-old back to the Etihad.

In addition, the club has internal options available, including Stefan Ortega, who admirably filled in for Ederson last season, and new signing Marcus Bettinelli, offering further depth in the goalkeeper department.

Ederson, a Pillar of Stability Since 2017

Since joining Manchester City, Ederson has made 372 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most consistent goalkeepers. His composure and reliability between the posts have been pivotal to the Guardiola era’s success at the Etihad.

As such, retaining Ederson is not only a matter of continuity but also a crucial decision in preserving experience and leadership at the back.

Now, the decision lies with both Ederson and Manchester City: commit to one more defining chapter in England, or embark on a new challenge abroad.