Guardiola Uncertain About Ederson’s Future Amid Saudi Interest

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed uncertainty over the future of Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson amid interest from the Saudi Pro League. Despite regarding Ederson as his first-choice goalkeeper at the end of last season, Guardiola admitted the situation is fluid and dependent on other clubs’ actions.

“I’d like him to stay but it depends on other clubs,” Guardiola said after City’s 4-3 friendly defeat to Celtic in North Carolina. “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, who replaced Stefan Ortega at halftime during the friendly in Chapel Hill, faces an uncertain future, while midfielder Kalvin Phillips seems certain to leave City, likely on loan, before the transfer window closes on 30 August. Phillips struggled during his loan spell at West Ham last season, which impacted his chances of making Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024. Guardiola substituted Phillips at halftime against Celtic to protect him following an injury.

“He knows the situation, and we’ll see,” Guardiola added.

Haaland Captains City in Celtic Defeat

Erling Haaland wore the captain’s armband for the first time as City fielded a mix of youth and experience, including six academy graduates alongside Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish, and Stefan Ortega. Despite the loss, Haaland scored an equaliser and provided a solid performance.

Nicolas Kuhn’s double and Kyogo Furuhashi’s goal put Celtic ahead 3-1 at halftime. City’s Maximo Perrone quickly reduced the deficit after the break, and Haaland leveled the score with a header from Oscar Bobb’s cross. However, Celtic secured victory with Luis Palma’s goal in the 68th minute.

City’s US tour continues against AC Milan in New York, while Celtic face Chelsea in Indiana on Saturday.