by Pep Guardiola feels lucky to have Ederson in goal after fears the Brazilian could leave Manchester City this summer.
The City number one has attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, but no offers have been received that match the champions’ valuation of the player.
Ederson, whose titles with City include six Premier League wins and a Champions League triumph, proved his lasting value with a fine performance in Saturday’s hard-fought victory over Fulham.
The 31-year-old made a series of important saves, including two from Adama Traore in one-on-one situations, as City won 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium.
Asked if he had been afraid of losing Ederson, City manager Guardiola replied: “Yes, of course. He is an important figure in our team.
“Of course, in the end, that didn’t happen. We are lucky to have him. I hope he is happy.
“He knew from day one that I didn’t want it, that we didn’t want it.
“The truth is the offer didn’t come – the real offer, because they made an offer, but for the goalkeeper of the team that won four Premier Leagues in a row, they have value, a price otherwise he can’t leave.
“If the offer (had come), maybe he wouldn’t be here. It’s the truth.
“Ederson is so strong. It might be an idea (to leave) but then, when they change their mind, in one second they say: ‘OK, I’m here, I’ll do my best’.
Ederson joined City from Benfica in the summer of 2017 and immediately solved a problem that had plagued Guardiola throughout his first season at the club.
Having decided that England international Joe Hart did not suit his style of play, Guardiola brought in Claudio Bravo, but the Chilean failed to impress.
The City boss believes goalkeeping resources are now stronger and, if Ederson decides to leave, he has an ideal replacement in substitute Stefan Ortega.
Guardiola said: “The success we had, without Eddie, I can’t visualize it. He made some truly incredible saves.
“But we would have moved forward. I think Stefan is, for me, one of the best one-on-one players I’ve ever seen. It’s a bit difficult to choose.
“I always had the feeling that Stefan is an exceptional player.
“Ederson is an important player but he has to feel he has to perform well.
“This healthy competition that they have – they respect (each other) and they have an incredible relationship – makes our team better.”
