Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his relief that goalkeeper Ederson remained at the club during the summer transfer window, admitting that he feared the Brazilian might be lured away by Saudi Arabian clubs.
Despite facing interest from the Middle East, City held firm to their valuation of Ederson, who was instrumental in their recent Premier League title win and Champions League triumph.
The 31-year-old showcased his continued excellence in Saturday’s victory over Fulham, reminding everyone of his invaluable contributions to the team.
Asked if he had been worried about losing Ederson, City manager Guardiola said: “Yes of course. He’s an important figure with our team.
“Of course at the end it didn’t happen. We are lucky to have him. Hopefully, he’s happy.
“He knew from day one I didn’t want it, we didn’t want it.
“The truth is the offer didn’t come, the real offer, because they made an offer, but for the keeper of the team who won four Premier Leagues in a row, they have a value, a price. Otherwise, he cannot leave.
“If the offer (had come) maybe he would not be here. This is the truth.
“Ederson is so strong. It can be an idea (to leave) but after, when they change their mind, in one second they say, ‘OK, I’m here, I’m going to do my best’.”
Ederson joined City from Benfica in the summer of 2017 and immediately solved a problem that had plagued Guardiola throughout his first season at the club.
Having decided England international Joe Hart did not fit his style of play, Guardiola brought in Claudio Bravo but the Chilean failed to impress.
The City boss feels goalkeeping resources are stronger now and, should Ederson decide to move on, he has an ideal replacement in back-up Stefan Ortega.
Guardiola said: “The success we’ve had, without Eddie I cannot visualise. He’s made truly incredible saves.
“But we would have moved forward. I think Stefan is, for me, one of the best players I’ve ever seen one against one. It’s kind of hard to choose.
“I always had the feeling that Stefan is an exceptional player.
“Ederson is an important player but he has to have the feeling that he has to perform well.
“This healthy competition they have, they respect (each other) and they have an incredible relationship, makes our team better.”