Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin has acknowledged that he is aware of reported interest from Manchester City.
After beginning his career with Shakhtar Donetsk, Turbin has since elevated his game to new heights since joining Portuguese giants Benfica for around €10m in July 2023.
The 23-year-old quickly established himself as the club’s number one shot-stopper and has made a total of 86 appearances across all competitions, keeping 10 clean sheets and conceding just 20 goals in 23 Primeira Liga matches so far this season.
Turbin, who won the Taca da Liga with Benfica earlier this year, has also produced several eye-catching displays in the Champions League this term, making the joint-second most saves (41) across 12 matches for a Benfica side who recently lost to Barcelona on aggregate in the last 16.
The 19-cap Ukraine international has subsequently caught the eye of several top European clubs including Man City, who have allegedly been impressed by his performances between the sticks for club and country.
Speculation about a potential move for Turbin to Man City has surfaced online, and the goalkeeper has given his response to the rumours ahead of the summer transfer window.
Turbin responds to Man City transfer speculation
Speaking to Sport.ua, Turbin said: “I don’t know, I saw it on the interest just like you. Right now, I’m completely focused on the national team, then on Benfica.
“Because there’s an important stretch of championships and cups ahead, and everything else needs to be postponed for later.”
Turbin is currently away with Ukraine on international duty preparing for their UEFA Nations League two-legged playoff clash with Belgium.
According to Transfermarkt, Turbin has a €100m (£83.6m) release clause in his Benfica contract which expires in the summer of 2028.
Whether Benfica would be open to negotiating a fee below that release clause remains to be seen, but they will not be willing to let Trubin leave on the cheap, as it is claimed that his former club Shakhtar will receive 40% of any profit from the goalkeeper’s next sale.
Trubin in, Ederson or Ortega out at Man City?
Man City’s interest in Turbin among a number of other goalkeepers comes at a time when both Ederson and Stefan Ortega are believed to be facing uncertain futures at the Etihad Stadium.
Both goalkeepers will soon be entering the final year of their contract with the Citizens and have endured patchy runs of form when called upon by Pep Guardiola this season.
Recent reports claim that there is a ‘strong possibility’ that Ederson will leave Man City amid interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Ortega has also been tipped to depart and Man City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany has told Sports Mole that it is “inevitable” that at last one of the club’s first-team goalkeepers will move on this summer.
