Manchester City still have plenty of work to do under Pep Guardiola as the season nears a conclusion, but the 54-year-old already has an eye on potential arrivals at the Etihad Stadium this summer.
Manchester City’s core of serial winners at a crossroads
Despite emerging as the Premier League title favourites at the beginning of the campaign, City lie 20 points behind leaders Liverpool and won’t be celebrating a record-shattering fifth English top-flight triumph come the close of play.
Enacting a mini-rebuild in January, Pep Guardiola brought in Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico Gonzalez, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah to ease the pressure on an underperforming squad containing a core of ageing serial winners that may be ready for a new challenge elsewhere come the summer.
Kevin De Bruyne has been heavily linked with a move to San Diego FC, while Kyle Walker departed for AC Milan last month and is likely to bring the curtain down on his spell permanently sooner rather than later.
In truth, some of Manchester City’s most-cherished heroes are now beginning to depreciate in value. That isn’t a criticism, but merely a reality as time can become a ruthless commodity if you aren’t careful.
|
Manchester City players who are aged 30 or over |
|
|
Ederson |
31 |
|
Stefan Ortega |
32 |
|
Scott Carson |
39 |
|
Nathan Ake |
30 |
|
John Stones |
30 |
|
Mateo Kovacic |
30 |
|
Bernardo Silva |
30 |
|
Kevin De Bruyne |
33 |
|
Ilkay Gundogan |
34 |
|
Kyle Walker (on loan) |
34 |
That isn’t to say their ability to produce magic moments has waned. However, anyone who has watched the Citizens this term can understand that a mix of injury issues and inconsistent form has seeped away at their collective hunger to win another title.
Nothing lasts forever despite the level of sentiment attached to any situation. Still, Manchester City could be involved in a transfer saga that will attract global attention this summer.
Manchester City hold talks over potential Ederson successor
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City have held talks over signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as a potential replacement for Ederson, who could be set for a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Last year, the Brazil international came close to sealing a switch to the Middle East and may see the opportunity open up again. In response, the Blues have held ‘initial’ discussions regarding the Swiss-born Portugal international, who has kept 15 clean sheets in 37 appearances this term across all competitions.
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Referencing his one-on-one save to deny Benjamin Sesko during his side’s penalty shootout victory against Slovakia at Euro 2024, Roberto Martinez commended Costa’s ‘incredible’ reflexes to deny the RB Leipzig striker during extra-time.
Nevertheless, Ederson’s monumental contribution during Manchester City’s modern-day history has cemented a legacy few could replicate. During his eight-year spell between the sticks, the reigning English champions have won 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Understandably, he may have designs on a money-spinning move before the twilight of his career. Either way, Ederson would be an extremely difficult influence to replace inside the Etihad dressing room.
