Manchester City has undergone a significant overhaul in its goalkeeping department this summer, moving from an initial stance of continuity to a squad featuring multiple new additions and a key departure.
In June, manager Pep Guardiola stated that the club’s existing goalkeepers, Ederson and Stefan Ortega, “will continue,” with both players featuring in the Club World Cup held in the USA. However, this position shifted dramatically, leading to the acquisition of several new goalkeepers.
Twenty-four-year-old Ederson, who Guardiola had publicly designated as his number one goalkeeper ahead of the Premier League’s opening match against Wolves, was transferred to Turkish club Fenerbahce a mere 18 days later. His departure marked an unexpected turn for the club’s long-standing first-choice keeper.
The transfer window’s deadline day saw the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain. The 25-year-old, widely recognized as Italy’s number one goalkeeper, joined City following his departure from the French champions. Additionally, goalkeeper James Trafford, who was reportedly seen as a potential long-term successor to Ederson, now finds himself in a position where Donnarumma’s arrival suggests he may assume a secondary role.
Despite the influx of new talent and reported interest from other clubs, Stefan Ortega remains at the Etihad Stadium, having reportedly declined offers to leave. These movements have resulted in Manchester City currently having four senior first-team goalkeepers on its roster.
Commenting on the changes, former City defender Nedum Onuoha provided his perspective on BBC’s Football Focus. Onuoha highlighted Ederson’s unique value, stating, “A lot of people didn’t really understand the true value of Ederson because his shot-stopping is great, but his ability to get on the ball and to be the spare player that can create something.” Onuoha expressed concerns about how the new goalkeepers might adapt to this style, adding, “Now he’s gone, the people who are trying to fill those boots won’t be able to do it in the same way.” He further cautioned, “From a City perspective, if their goalkeeper continues to get pressed and make those sorts of errors, it will encourage the opposition and change how City play.”
The reshuffling in the goalkeeping squad represents a notable strategic shift for Manchester City as they prepare for the season ahead.
Source: www.bbc.com