There has been no breakthrough in negotiations between Manchester City and Al-Ittihad for goalkeeper Ederson, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Writing on his X account, the journalist said that the Premier League champions €50m (£42.2m) to €60m (£50.6m) asking price is proving to be the main sticking point:
🚨🇸🇦 Understand negotiations between Al Ittihad and Man City for Ederson are currently not progressing, it’s still complicated.
Man City have been clear: €50/60m package or no way for green light.
Al Ittihad are also considering other options from La Liga and not only. pic.twitter.com/fv6KW5P4ad
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 26, 2024
Based on Romano’s remarks, it appears Al-Ittihad are already seeking potential alternatives which doesn’t suggest that the Saudi club believe there will be a successful conclusion to talks.
Ederson has reportedly already accepted a transfer to Al-Ittihad so it is difficult to predict what will happen if the move falls through.
Why is Ederson pressing to leave City?
The 30-year-old has less than two years left on his contract. He is currently taking home just £100,000 a week and it is believed he could earn five times as much if he makes the switch to the Middle East.
There have been reports suggesting that the Cityzens could tempt Ederson into staying by offering a new deal but, at the moment, it appears he has his heart set on joining Al-Ittihad.
De Bruyne won’t be moving to Saudi Arabia this summer
There has also been plenty of speculation about Kevin De Bruyne’s future in recent weeks but manager Pep Guardiola dispelled any talk that the Belgian could leave for the Saudi Pro League earlier this week.
It is believed that De Bruyne did seriously consider offers from other teams but he was concerned about uprooting his family.