Fenerbahce's fans cheer for their team during the Turkish Super league football match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray on April 14, 2019 at the Fenerbahce stadium in Istanbul. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP) (Photo credit should read OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images)
Manchester City has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sell goalkeeper Ederson to Turkish side Fenerbahce. According to senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano of GIVEMESPORT, the deal is valued at around €14 million (£12 million), with personal terms for the Brazilian international already finalized.
Ederson’s impending departure marks a significant shift for Manchester City, as he has been the club’s number one goalkeeper since joining in 2017. The 31-year-old was notably benched for the first three Premier League matches of the season, with young goalkeeper James Trafford starting in his place.
In his 372 appearances for the club, Ederson kept 168 clean sheets, helping Manchester City win every major title, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. His exit is expected to pave the way for Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is poised to join the Cityzens as his replacement on deadline day.
The transfer saga is now nearing its conclusion, with Ederson set to embark on a new chapter in his career in Turkey.
A Major Statement for Fenerbahce
For Fenerbahce, the acquisition of a world-class goalkeeper like Ederson would be a major statement of intent. The club, led by manager José Mourinho, has been actively rebuilding its squad with high-profile signings as it aims to compete for both the domestic league title and success in Europe. Ederson’s experience and winning pedigree would provide an immediate upgrade to the team’s defense, and his arrival would signal the club’s serious ambitions.
The move also brings Ederson back to familiar territory in Turkey, where he will face his former arch-rival, Galatasaray, in the Süper Lig.
City’s Strategic Shift
While Ederson’s departure may come as a surprise to some, it aligns with a long-term strategic shift at Manchester City. The club has been preparing for this transition by giving more playing time to Trafford and pursuing Donnarumma, who is widely regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world.
The transfer also provides a financial boost for City, allowing them to reinvest in other areas of the squad. With the verbal agreement in place, all that remains is for the final details to be ironed out before the transfer deadline.