“I’ll understand with all the pain in my heart” - Pep Guardiola urges Manchester City superstar to decide his future soon

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hopes for goalkeeper Ederson to stay put at the club. The Brazilian shot-stopper has recently been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to the media on City's pre-season tour of the USA, Guardiola conceded that he would understand if Ederson opted to leave. However, he stressed that he wanted the goalkeeper to stay at Etihad and told journalist Fred Caldeira (via Fabrizio Romano):

"I'd like Éderson to decide his future as soon as possible. I only hope for him to stay with us. He's a person I love, who I want. He's a 'porteirazo'. If he has to go… with all the pain in the heart, I'll understand."

The Manchester City manager also spoke about the goalkeeper's future last week, saying (via Sky Sports):

"I don't know – he has to see maybe now other options. Of course I'd like him to stay. Depends now the clubs. I don't know the situation. No contact in the last days. A question of training and being with us until the transfer window finishes and we see what happens."

The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano have reported that Manchester City are not planning to sign a goalkeeper even if Ederson leaves. They trust Stefan Ortega to step up as the new #1 and deliver for the club.

Ederson yet to decide his Manchester City future

Ederson has left the doors open for a Manchester City exit this summer. The goalkeeper was quizzed on his future recently and he stated that nothing was decided just yet. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):

"Nothing is decided. I'm happy to hear that Pep wants me to stay, it's gratifying, he's a genius… I'm happy here. I'm calm. Whatever happens is in the hands of God, he knows the right path."

He also released a statement after reports emerged that he was not pleased with Stefan Ortega's impressive performances. He wrote:

"Clarifying that the note published by the portal The Athletic, yesterday, referring to the supposed dissatisfaction on my part in relation to a co-worker. It's totally false. The supposed day reported was, without a doubt, one of the most difficult days of my career when I suffered a fracture that prevented me from competing in the final stretch of the season and, consequently, also from representing my country in the Copa America."

Al Nassr were said to be keen on signing Ederson earlier this month but they hadn't yet agreed on a deal with Manchester City. Some reports claim Al Ittihad are also in the fray and could sign him this summer.