Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed uncertainty over whether Ederson will remain at the club this summer, amid interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Guardiola reiterated his belief in Ederson as his first-choice goalkeeper, despite selecting backup Stefan Ortega for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid last season.
Following City’s 4-3 friendly defeat to Celtic in North Carolina, Guardiola commented, “I’d like him to stay, but it depends on other clubs.”
“I don’t know the situation. There have been no contacts in the last days. It’s a question of training, being with us until the transfer window finishes and we’ll see.”
Ederson came on at half-time during City’s loss to Celtic in Chapel Hill, which was the Premier League champions’ opening pre-season game.
If Ederson’s future is uncertain, Kalvin Phillips seems certain to leave City – most likely on loan – before the transfer window closes on 30 August.
Phillips endured a terrible spell at West Ham in the second half of last season, ending any hopes of him making Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
He was replaced at half-time against Celtic, although Guardiola said that was to protect him after he had missed the end of last season with injury.
“That’s why we didn’t give him more minutes,” said Guardiola.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen. He knows the situation, and we’ll see.”
Haaland captains City in Celtic defeat
Erling Haaland was given the City captain’s armband for the first time as Guardiola fielded a mix of youth and experience in his starting lineup.
City’s team featured six academy graduates alongside seasoned players like Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish, and Stefan Ortega. They initially trailed after a goal from Nicolas Kuhn, but Norway international Oscar Bobb equalized in the 33rd minute.
Celtic, playing their fourth pre-season match, led 3-1 at halftime after Kuhn’s second goal and a strike from Kyogo Furuhashi.
City mounted a second-half comeback, with Maximo Perrone scoring within 60 seconds of the restart to narrow the gap.
Kasper Schmeichel, making his debut for Celtic since joining from Anderlecht, denied Haaland on three occasions. However, the 24-year-old Norwegian eventually equalized just before the hour mark, heading in a cross from fellow Norwegian Bobb.
Celtic secured the winner in the 68th minute when Luis Palma, who had come on just three minutes earlier, scored on the counter-attack.
Celtic’s US tour continues against Chelsea on Saturday in Indiana, while City faces AC Milan in New York.
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