“I'm going to tell the truth” - Pep Guardiola opens up on reason behind key player’s failed summer exit from Manchester City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained why goalkeeper Ederson failed to secure a transfer away from the club in the summer transfer window. The Brazilian goalkeeper was heavily linked with an exit from the Etihad, with a number of sides reportedly keen on signing him.

Guardiola sanctioned the signing of a relatively unknown Ederson in 2017 from Benfica, and the Brazilian has become a key cog in his side. He helped the side win a fourth successive Premier League title in the 2023-24 season.

Saudi giants Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad were reportedly interested in the Brazil international, but failed to land the former Benfica man. Pep Guardiola has now opened up on why those moves fell through.

"He knew from day one I didn't want it, we didn't want it but the truth, I'm going to tell the truth, the offer didn't come. The real offer, because they make an offer, but to be for the keeper, for the team who won four Premier Leagues in a row, they have a value, you know, have a price. Otherwise, he cannot leave. This is the truth," Guardiola said (via ESPN).

Ederson has won the Premier League six times since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in 2017, playing a key role in each triumph. The goalkeeper has been named in the PFA Team of the Year twice, while also winning the Golden Glove three times between 2020 and 2022.

Manchester City have a capable deputy for Ederson in Stefan Ortega, and the German goalkeeper signed a new contract in the summer. If the Brazilian does eventually move, the club plans for Ortega to take over as first-choice between the sticks.

Manchester City star expected to return after international break

Guardiola has stated that he expects defender Nathan Ake to return to action for the side after the international break. The Dutch defender has been out since picking up a hamstring injury on international duty last month.

Ahead of his side's clash against Fulham, the Spanish tactician said that Ake will not be able to feature for Manchester City immediately, but is close to a return.

"Yeah, I expect him back after the international break. I would say without injury, but Nathan is not like Phil Foden, for example, that [clicks fingers] are into training sessions and fit," he said (via The Standard).

“He needs time. The info I had yesterday is that he has started training on the pitch and we will see.”

Dutch defender Ake is missing for the side alongside star players Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and rising star Oscar Bobb. With the exception of the Spanish midfielder, the rest of the injured Manchester City players should return before the end of 2024.