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Pep Guardiola unsure if Ederson will stay at Man City amid Saudi Pro League transfer interest as he also gives bleak update on Kalvin Phillips' future

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  • Ederson pursued by Al-Ittihad
  • Saudi club ready to match City's valuation
  • Guardiola shared an update on Ederson & Kalvin Phillips' future
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The interest in Ederson from the Saudi Pro League has grown, with Al-Ittihad reportedly ready to meet City's valuation of around £50 million ($65 million/€60 million). It is believed that the Brazilian has already agreed on personal terms with the Pro League team and is keen to try a fresh challenge away from the English shores.

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    WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

    After City's 4-3 friendly loss to Celtic in North Carolina, Guardiola admitted to being in the dark over Ederson's future.

    "I'd like him to stay but it depends on other clubs," he told reporters. "I don't know the situation. There have been no contacts in the last days. It's a question of training, being with us until the transfer window finishes and we'll see."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    While it's still unclear where Ederson will be playing his football next season, Kalvin Phillips looks set to exit City, most likely via another loan spell after a challenging stint at West Ham. He was hooked off at half-time against Celtic, a decision Guardiola attributed to protecting the player following his injury struggles towards the end of last season.

    “That’s why we didn’t give him more minutes,” Guardiola explained. “I don't know what's going to happen. He knows the situation, and we'll see."

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Should Ederson decide to move on, Guardiola is determined not to leave Manchester City short-handed in the goalkeeping department. Reports suggest that City have identified Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma as a potential replacement.

  • Ederson Manchester CityGetty Images

    WHAT NEXT?

    As City continue their pre-season preparations in the United States, the offices at Etihad Stadium will be buzzing with several transfer operations underway. Guardiola's comments reflect his desire to retain the Brazilian goalkeeper but given the ever-increasing allure of the Saudi Pro League, the manager might lose his first-choice shot-stopper.