On the back of a fourth successive Premier League title last season, there have been murmurings that a number of Manchester City stalwarts could leave the club this summer.
Kevin De Bruyne has seemingly been flirting with the idea of a move to Saudi Arabia for a couple of seasons now, although it has been suggested that he will not force an exit over the coming weeks.
The case of Ederson is a different one.
The Brazilian goalkeeper has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, with both Al Nassr and Al Ittihad linked with his services. The latter now seem in the driving seat, although they are yet to agree a transfer fee with Manchester City.
Despite this, Pep Guardiola admitted in recent days that the 30-year old could be on his way out of The Etihad.
I don’t know – he has to see maybe now other options. Of course I’d like him to stay. Depends now the clubs.
I don’t know the situation, no contact in the last days. A question of training and being with us until the transfer window finishes and we see what happens.
As with most moves to Saudi Arabia in recent times, there is no doubt that money is a driving factor behind Ederson's desire to move to the Middle East.
In saying that, it seems as though there may also be a more petty element to a potential move.
READ HERE: Morocco Fans Storm Pitch After Controversial End To Argentina Olympics Game
Report: Ederson Has Petty Motive Behind Push For Manchester City Exit
Ederson has been the no. 1 at Manchester City ever since his arrival from Benfica back in 2017, although that position is not as secure now as it once was. Stefan Ortega has received plenty of plaudits for his performances for the club in recent times, with it being suggested that Guardiola will make him his first choice goalkeeper is the Brazil international moves on.
In fact, it seems as though the praise the German has received is playing a part in his decision to move to Saudi Arabia.
According to The Athletic, Ederson was not impressed with the praise Ortega received on the back of his performance against Spurs last season, making a big save late on to all but clinch the title for Manchester City.
Here's what they had to say on the matter:
Beyond the huge sums of money on offer, something else changed in the final weeks of the season. Ederson was affected by the praise Ortega received for his fine one-on-one save to thwart Tottenham’s Son Heung-min in the penultimate match of the season.
That moment, four minutes from the end of the match, has understandably been described as title-defining. Had Son scored, he would have probably earned a point for his side that would have — probably — handed Arsenal the title...
Parts of that praise, largely from supporters, included a suggestion that Ederson himself would not have saved it.
What a vital save that is in the title race from Stefan Ortega! 😲 pic.twitter.com/XatVw2GetK
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 14, 2024
Ederson was forced off earlier in that game due to injury.
He would go on to post this cryptic message on social media in the aftermath of the victory.
If this is indeed a motive behind Ederson's decision to leave Manchester City, it seems like an incredibly petty one.
It will be interesting to see how things play out over the coming weeks.
SEE ALSO: Questionable McClean Tackle Ignites Bust-Up Two Minutes Into Chelsea Friendly
