Manchester City will only accept bids for goalkeeper Ederson over £40 million ($51.6 million), according to a source.
The Brazilian is flexible about his future and is coveted by Al Ittihad of the Saudi Pro League.
City is open to discussing a possible transfer, but will only entertain bids that are competitive with their value.
Pep Guardiola has started Ederson in goal for the last seven seasons, and the Portuguese goalkeeper still has two years remaining on his deal.
The city has received approaches from Al Ittihad and Al Nassr, but their estimates of about £25 million ($32 million) have been inadequate. Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper Bento was signed by Al Nassr on Friday for a period of time till 2027.
Moving to Saudi Arabia has been an attractive option for Ederson because of the threefold increase in compensation that would put him in first place among goalkeepers worldwide.
The City camp is reportedly keeping a level head in the face of the scenario, with Guardiola having faith in Stefan Ortega, the club’s backup goalkeeper who has extended his contract by one year until 2026, to step up in Ederson’s absence.
In all competitions last season, Ortega played 20 times, including a 3-3 Champions League tie with Real Madrid.
City will be touring the United States with Ederson, Ortega, Erling Haaland, and Jack Grealish as players.
Kalvin Phillips, who was on loan at West Ham for the second half of last season, is also on the roster, but City are still willing to let him go for about £20 million if his transfer request is approved.
On the other hand, City is banking on Kevin De Bruyne remaining with the club come summertime.
The 33-year-old has been linked to a transfer to Al Ittihad and is now on vacation after competing in Euro 2024 with Belgium.
De Bruyne, who has a year remaining on his contract at Etihad Stadium, has not ruled out transferring to Saudi Arabia in the future, but a move this summer appears improbable.
How much does Ederson get?
Ederson is said to make roughly £100,000 per week on his current Manchester City deal, plus performance-related incentives. The Brazilian earns £100,000 a week, which is more than most goalkeepers, but his wages are lower than those of other elite stoppers.
When did Ederson go to Man City?
He won two Primeira Liga championships and one of each cup before joining Manchester City for £35 million in 2017. He has played over 300 games for Manchester City, winning six Premier League championships, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and the Champions League in 2023.
