TBR Football exclusively understands that Manchester City are working on a host of potential new number ones amid doubts over Ederson’s long-term future.
In the summer, Hugo Viana is set to succeed Txiki Begiristain as Man City’s sporting director at the Etihad, but the latter is determined not to leave him without a succession plan.
Whilst Viana will arrive with his own ideas about what is needed, Begiristain is doing work for his successor on potential new arrivals.
It’s understood that all areas of the City squad are likely to need attention aside from their attack, and one position they have focussed on for much of this season is the goalkeeping department.
Man City impressed by several goalkeepers after doubts over Ederson’s future
Graeme Bailey – TBR Football chief correspondent, understands that there is major doubt about Ederson’s long-term future at the club.
As of this summer, Ederson will have just 12-months left on his current contract and a new deal has not been ruled out, and talks have taken place.
Last summer, Ederson was open to moving to the Pro League and interest from Saudi Arabia remains strong.
And as Ederson could move on, TBR can confirm that City have been undertaking an extensive goalkeeping assessment of potential candidates.
City have been impressed by several goalkeepers including Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, Lille’s Lucas Chevalier, Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin and Parma’s Zion Suzuki.
The club are also looking at potential options for number twos as they have not ruled out promoting Stefan Ortega as their new number one if Ederson moves on.
Candidates for that role include former City keeper James Trafford and Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson.
Arsenal also have strong interest in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia
Of course, mention of Garcia at Espanyol could be a worry from an Arsenal perspective.
Arsenal have long-term interest in Garcia, a player they’ve already been in talks to sign.
Bournemouth are also interested in Garcia, a young Spanish goalkeeper who seems destined for the top level after his performances in La Liga this season.
And whilst it will be a tall task for any goalkeeper to replace Ederson at City, perhaps the ‘perfect’ 23-year-old could eventually be up to the task.
That being said, City are also eyeing Premier League talent right now, a player who could add more attacking talent to Guardiola’s midfield.
