Ederson Rebuts Speculation Of Rift With Stefan Ortega Amid Saudi Link-Up Rumours

Manchester City's first-choice goalkeeper, Ederson, has firmly rebuffed rumours of a rift with fellow goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, amid swirling speculation linking the Brazilian star with a potential move to a Saudi Arabian club. 

In a dramatic end of a historic Premier League 2023-24 season, Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson had to be subbed off Manchester City's penultimate fixture against Tottenham Hotspurs due to a heartbreaking eye injury caused by a nasty collision. While the goalkeeper expressed his resentment against Pep Guardiola's decision, it ended up being in his best interest as the keeper suffered from a fracture near his eye socket.

That being said, following Ederson's sub, backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega pulled off an incredible save to keep Son from scoring an equaliser in what turned out to be a fateful moment in City's title-defending campaign. City went on to win their fourth PL title in a row with a final victory against West Ham a few days later, thus scripting history.

Meanwhile, Ortega naturally received high praise from City fans for his extraordinary efforts, and that limelight reportedly irked Ederson. In a report released by The Athletic, Ederson was hurt and displeased by Ortega hogging the limelight, and that potentially contributed to his mood of mulling a change to the Saudi Pro League.

However, amid a wave of controversy over unsportsmanlike behaviour, Ederson took to social media to refute the claims, saying the injury period was extremely challenging for him as he not only missed City's final stretch but also failed to represent his country, Brazil, at Copa America.

"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."

- Ederson

As for the rift rumours, Ederson seemingly denied the charges by highlighting that his relationship with teammate Ortega is indicative of healthy competition where each player pushes the other to maintain high standards. The Brazilian star was, in fact, elated to see Ortega contribute to City's title victory campaign.

"At the time of the injury, my thoughts were just to continue in the match, defending City in the fight for the title, but the emotion of the match would be greater than the reality, and fatally, I would not be able to continue as I would have liked due to the damage it caused, completely blocking my field of vision. I remain focused on preparing for the season.""

- Ederson

Meanwhile, while Stefan Ortega ended up signing an extension contract with Manchester City during the ongoing off-season, Ederson is left to fend for his future. Interestingly, he has two years still left on his existing deal with City, but the goalkeeper could be released this summer itself if interested Saudi teams stack up an impressive deal and match the £60 million transfer fee.

Notably, Al-Nassr's bid was already rejected by Manchester City due to an unsatisfactory transfer fee. However, Al-Ittihad still remains in contention to secure Ederson's services for the impending Saudi Pro League season.