Manchester City will go after AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan if they sell Ederson this summer, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
Writing on his Patreon, Nixon said that the 14-cap France international is top of the list of candidates for the no.1 spot.
The majority of fans on X agree that Maignan would be the best keeper to target, with some believing he could actually be an improvement on Ederson:
Major upgrade
— Adam (@RMA_Adam123) June 2, 2024
Absolutely yes
— Ishaan Ghosh (@mcfcerenfan125) June 2, 2024
Perfect Pep GK.
Not as good with his feet, but more than good enough.
And 2x the shot-stopper than Ederson is.
— Julian Alvarez Apologist (@ArdwickAndrew) June 2, 2024
Won’t get a better replacement
— N_994 (@994Nyn) June 2, 2024
Definitely a better shot stopper and France number 1
— harley (@harleymcfc7) June 2, 2024
Good goalkeeper
— Seun™ (@john_asojo) June 2, 2024
THIS IS BUSINESS
— ℂℍ𝔸𝕆𝕊 (@Chaos_denton) June 2, 2024
yes, please 🙏🏽🩵
— alessandro (@malickciau) June 2, 2024
Why are City considering replacements for Ederson?
The Brazilian international is reportedly open to moving to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ittihad said to be lining up a £25m bid.
However, the Cityzens are thought to be keen to hold out for around £60m. The substantial gap in valuation means there are no guarantees that Ederson will leave but the Premier League champions are seemingly putting contingency plans in place.
Maignan has been linked with a move to England before, with Chelsea having been credited with an interest last summer, but there are concerns about his price tag and whether he is worth the money.
Would Maignan be an upgrade on Ederson?
Looking at the stats from last season, it is up for debate whether the Frenchman would be much of an improvement on City’s current first choice.
Maignan’s save ratio in the league (77.5%) is higher than Ederson’s (70.7%) and his passing accuracy for short and medium-range passes is on par with the Brazilian. He is, though, slightly less accurate with his long balls and his post xG compared to actual goals conceded (-4.2) is not particularly impressive.