5 potential Ederson replacements at Man City

Ederson is the goalkeeper that has redefined the position more than any other since his big money move to Manchester City back in 2017.

The Brazilian, pretty unknown back then, has guarded the net reliably but it's what he's offered Pep Guardiola with the ball at his feet that has proved most significant. Whether sliding passes into midfield, splitting defences with raking through balls or relieving pressure with 60-yard switches, he is the best at what he does.

But City are now preparing themselves for his absence.

Ederson has been strongly linked with a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League this summer, one that may prove too irresistible. Even Guardiola has admitted that his future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain, with the 30-year-old's sizeable shoes needing filling if he does depart.

There are plenty of talented goalkeepers across Europe right now, but which stars could replace Ederson?

Lucas Chevalier

While yet to blossom into a household name outside of France, 22-year-old Lucas Chevalier has the makings of an elite modern goalkeeper. The youngster has risen through the ranks at Lille and swiftly established himself as a credible starter for the first-team. Since October 2022, Chevalier has missed just one Ligue 1 match.

Just like Ederson, passing is one of the Frenchman's greatest strengths. Whether delivering the ball short or long, he boasts fantastic accuracy, and he was asked to be brave in and out of possession when working under former Lille boss Paulo Fonseca.

"Playing the ball out from the back is risky, but it's also intelligent when you’re young and starting out," Chevalier has previously admitted.

Guardiola would certainly agree. But the fact that he is particularly adept at saving penalties - rebuffing two in one match last season - and ranked in the top 20% of Ligue 1 goalkeepers for save percentage (76.4%) last term is also encouraging.

Unai Simon

Anyone unsure of Unai Simon's capabilities need only look at Euro 2024. The Spain stopper was essential for La Roja as they were crowned continental champions, conceding just four times in six outings and keeping two clean sheets. A save percentage of 78.9% was bettered by only five goalkeepers at the whole tournament.

In La Liga last season, the long-serving Athletic Club goalkeeper topped the rankings for clean sheets (16) and save percentage (74.4%), too.

However, Simon is similarly gifted when it comes to distribution. You simply can't play for Spain if you're not technically sound, with the 27-year-old not adverse to taking risks in possession or playing vertical balls straight into a defensive midfielder.

Justin Bijlow

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot knows a thing or two about Justin Bijlow. The former Feyenoord coach helped turn the Dutch international into an all-action goalkeeper, capable of both remarkable saves and excellent anticipation outside his penalty area.

The 26-year-old has interested Manchester United and Arsenal previously and it's clear to see why. His style suits teams that want to play with a high line and those that generally adopt a possession-based approach. City tick both those boxes.

Bijlow ranked in the top four per cent of goalkeepers in the 2023/24 Champions League for defensive actions outside his penalty area (3) and passes attempted (41.5) per match, highlighting his ability to play on the front foot.

Diogo Costa

Diogo Costa is a goalkeeper that has been considered by most elite clubs, having excelled with Porto and Portugal. For the latter, he saved three penalties in a shootout at Euro 2024 against Slovenia, before which he had also denied Benjamin Sesko an extra-time winner in a one-v-one.

The young stopper, who turns 25 in September, has outgrown his surroundings and is due a big-money move elsewhere, with Manchester City one of the few clubs who could afford his eye-watering price tag. Costa could cost around £60m this summer, if not more.

City know the benefits of putting faith in the Primeira Liga, with Ederson one of many stars they have plucked from the Portuguese top tier. Costa's passing ability, proactive approach and excellent shot-stopping makes him a prime candidate to replace the Brazilian.

Stefan Ortega

Why sign a new goalkeeper when you have the perfect replacement at home? That may well be what City are thinking amid speculation over Ederson's exit, with Stefan Ortega having regularly filled his shoes over recent seasons. He's seldom put a foot wrong when handed the gloves.

The German's remarkable save against Son Heung-min towards the end of last season - a stop that may have well won City the Premier League title - highlights just how clutch he can be on the big stage, even if his blunder in the FA Cup final several weeks later proved costly.

Guardiola is clearly a firm believer in Ortega's ability and may well be content with promoting him to the number one spot, although it would require signing a new number two. Whether he is ready to start week-in and week-out across an entire season for the champions remains to be seen.

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