Looking to replace Ederson, Manchester City have now reportedly turned their attention towards Serie A and signing a goalkeeper who has kept over double the amount of clean sheets as the Brazilian this season.
Man City eyeing Ederson upgrade
Everything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong for Manchester City this season. The Cityzens are in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time under Pep Guardiola, who has been forced to manage an ageing squad hit with an almighty injury crisis.
After such a frustrating campaign, however, the rest of the Premier League will be well aware of just how powerful the Blues could be in the summer transfer window as they look to overhaul what has been a historic squad.
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He’s been one of the best in his position this season…
Those at the Etihad are likely to act ruthlessly this summer as they aim to reclaim their English throne at the first time of asking. Already, it looks as though Kevin de Bruyne is heading for the exit door as a free agent and the likes of Ederson could yet join him.
The Brazilian shot-stopper is almost into the final year of his current contract and could yet be among those shown the door as City attempt to cash in before finding an instant upgrade.
According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are now targeting a move to sign Michele Di Gregorio from Juventus this summer following the 27-year-old’s impressive campaign in Serie A. Given that he already turned Liverpool down last summer, however, the Manchester club could face an uphill battle.
Voted the league’s best goalkeeper whilst at Monza last season, Di Gregorio has only kicked on even further since joining Juventus – taking hold of his opportunity. Now, however, he could be on the move again if Manchester City come calling.
The Italian is seemingly one to watch this summer, especially if Ederson concludes what has been an incredible career at the Etihad.
“Reliable” Di Gregorio is at his peak
Following an excellent campaign at Monza, Di Gregorio has picked up where he left off at Juventus to keep 15 clean sheets in all competitions – over double the amount that Ederson has managed at Manchester City.
It’s the type of consistency that has resulted in impressive praise from the likes of former Juventus goalkeeper Michelangelo Rampulla, who told reporters earlier this season: “He showed his true value at Monza. The Juventus shirt is certainly heavier but he is doing his job very well.
“His best quality, as I like to underline, is his presence inside the penalty area, he is the master of his area. He has a certain authority and then there is no question about his value. He plays well with his feet and gives security. He is a reliable goalkeeper.”
|
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) |
Michele di Gregorio |
Ederson |
|---|---|---|
|
Clean Sheets |
11 |
5 |
|
Save Percentage |
75.4% |
69.6% |
|
Pass Accuracy |
77.3% |
87% |
Whilst there may be some concerns over Di Gregorio’s ability to match Ederson with the ball at his feet, his save percentage would certainly offer Manchester City an upgrade on the shot-stopping front this summer.
If the City goalkeeper does depart, then the Italian should be among the leading candidates to arrive at the Etihad when the transfer window swings open.
