Sale of Manchester City’s ‘Crucial’ Star Falls Through

The anticipated deal of Manchester City’s goalkeeper Ederson Moraes to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad has fallen through according to Fabrizio Romano. Despite initial negotiations, the transfer could not advance as expected. However, Al-Ittihad swiftly moved to secure a new goalkeeper, signing Predrag Rajkovic from Mallorca for a transfer fee of £9.3 million.

Ederson Saudi Move Falls Through

Initial Negotiations and Expectations

In May, Romano reported on the possibility of Ederson leaving Manchester City during the summer transfer window if they were to receive a tempting offer. The journalist mentioned that several clubs in the Saudi Pro League had shown interest in the Brazilian goalkeeper, with Ederson considering the possible deals at the end of the season. Al-Nassr made an initial bid of £25 million, but the deal was ultimately rejected by City, as there was a huge gap in valuation with the club demanding more than £42 million to let the 30-year-old leave.

Even though Ederson had initially agreed to join Al-Nassr, the two clubs couldn’t agree on a transfer fee. This led to Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Pro League champions, initiating negotiations with Manchester City. However, City made it clear that they wouldn’t accept any offers for his move below their valuation of Ederson, which caused discussions with the Saudi side to break down, and the deal fell through.

Al-Ittihad’s Swift Move for Predrag Rajkovic

The Saudi Pro League side have been busy in the summer transfer window as they have recently secured the services of Frenchman Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa for a package worth £51 million, while actively trying to resolve their goalkeeper situation. In response to the collapse of Ederson’s move, Al-Ittihad wasted no time securing a new goalkeeper.

The club signed Rajkovic from Mallorca for a transfer fee of £9.3 million. Rajkovic, a talented Serbian goalkeeper, has made a name for himself with his impressive performances in La Liga. His signing is a strategic move to strengthen Al-Ittihad’s squad and maintain their competitive edge.

Rajkovic’s Journey

Rajkovic has had a remarkable career trajectory. Starting his professional journey with Red Star Belgrade, he quickly gained recognition for his shot-stopping abilities and composure under pressure. His performances earned him a move to Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he continued to excel. In 2019, Rajkovic joined Mallorca, where he further showcased his talents in one of the world’s top leagues.

Rajkovic is known for his agility, quick reflexes, and excellent positioning. His ability to command the penalty area and make crucial saves has made him a sought-after goalkeeper. Al-Ittihad’s acquisition of Rajkovic is expected to bolster their defensive lineup and provide stability between the posts.

What the Collapsed Move Means for Both Clubs

Manchester City’s Goalkeeping Situation

With Ederson’s move to Saudi Arabia off the table, Manchester City need to reassess their goalkeeping options. The Brazilian has been a “crucial” star in Pep Guardiola’s squad, contributing significantly to their domestic and international successes. The club may now focus on securing a new contract for Ederson to ensure his continued presence at the Etihad Stadium.

Additionally, Manchester City has other goalkeeping talents, such as Stefan Ortega, who recently signed a new deal with the club. The club must carefully consider their options and make strategic decisions to maintain their goalkeeping strength.

Al-Ittihad’s Ambitions and Future Prospects

For Al-Ittihad, the signing of Rajkovic represents a significant step towards achieving their ambitions. The club has been actively strengthening its squad to compete at the highest level in the Saudi Pro League and beyond, bringing in Diaby from Villa and also signing Belgian centre-back Arthur Theate from Rennes on a three-year contract with an option to extend.

While Ederson’s move to Saudi Arabia did not advance as expected, Al-Ittihad’s swift action in securing Rajkovic demonstrates their determination to build a competitive team. As the new season approaches, both Manchester City and Al Ittihad will be looking to leverage their goalkeeping talents to achieve their respective goals.