Manchester City have confirmed the departure of club legend Ederson Moraes.
There was speculation surrounding the Brazilian’s future throughout the summer transfer window, with the expectation being that Ederson would leave Man City for Galatasaray.
That proved not to be the case, as Fenerbahce completed a deal for Ederson on deadline day to hijack the goalkeeper from their Turkish rivals as part of a €14m (£12.1m) deal.
Manchester City confirmed the exit of Ederson on Tuesday morning after the 32-year-old spent eight years at the Etihad Stadium, having joined from Benfica in 2017.
City’s former Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, spoke about the goalkeeper on his signing day, and what he said proved to be right.
Ederson in action during Nottingham Forest v Manchester City.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Txiki Begiristain was right about Ederson being a good fit for Man City
Ederson moved to Man City as part of a £35m deal with Benfica in 2017, and it is fair to say that it was money well spent.
More Man City News
The Brazilian developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the world under Pep Guardiola, with the 32-year-old being perfect for the legendary coach’s style of play due to his passing ability and the composure he showed with the ball at his feet.
City’s scouting department did their job exceptionally when it came to Ederson, and upon signing for the Manchester club, former Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, stated he thought the Brazilian would fit into their squad really well, which proved correct.
“We are delighted to bring Ederson to Manchester City. He is one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe, and he is an important addition to the squad for next season and the coming seasons,” Begiristain told mancity.com on the day Ederson signed for the club.
“He is young, has all the qualities you could want as a top-class goalkeeper, and I think he’ll fit in really well to our squad.”
Despite signs of a decline throughout the last two seasons, Sam Allardyce thinks Ederson is still underrated by many, with the former Bolton manager stating that people have forgotten just how good the Brazilian is.
Ederson will go down as one of the best goalkeepers to ever play in the Premier League, and he has certainly cemented himself as a Man City legend.
Ederson’s dream career at Manchester City
Throughout his eight years at the Etihad Stadium, Ederson made 373 appearances for Man City, keeping 168 clean sheets and conceding 311 goals.
The Brazil international won everything in Manchester, which includes one Champions League crown, six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and four League Cups – a career every footballer dreams of having.
The 32-year-old proved to be arguably the greatest goalkeeper in history with the ball at his feet, and his style has influenced many upcoming shot-stoppers to improve their passing ability.
History will be kind to Ederson, and only time will tell where he ranks among the greatest goalkeepers to play in the Premier League.