Fabrizio Romano: Man City identify 'first choice replacement' for wantaway star

Suraj Radia

15 Aug 2024 21:00 BST
3 min read

Manchester City have already identified a replacement goalkeeper in case Ederson leaves the club this summer after strong links to the Saudi Pro League.

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Ederson was reported to being open to a move this summer, having received lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, but the Brazilian has since committed to City for this season, telling reporters in Brazil that the transfer saga is ‘over.’

The links away from City were substantial enough for the club to make plans for the goalkeeper’s successor, with Pep Guardiola even admitting earlier in the summer that Ederson could be sold.

Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad both reportedly made approaches to City for Ederson but neither got close to the club’s asking price, in excess of €50 million, and the 30-year-old could now be offered a new contract by the club.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Michael Zetterer was the ‘number one replacement option’ for City but the 29-year-old is now set to start the season with current club Werder Bremen.

However, there are still thought to be three other Premier League teams in the market for Zetterer, while Marseille had also considered a move for German keeper.

🔵👀 Understand Michael Zetterer was number one replacement option for Man City in case Ederson had left the club.

Zetterer now supposed to start the season with Werder Bremen although 3 other Premier League teams could still try to sign him; OM also considered him in July. pic.twitter.com/T2wKXd5muy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2024

Who is Michael Zetterer?

Zetterer is a goalkeeper with a relatively low profile, having never played for Germany past receiving one cap at under-21 level in 2016.

He only made his Bundesliga debut in 2022, having spent the early portion of his career in the lower leagues and out on loan.

However, Zetterer became Werder’s first choice goalkeeper last season, making 27 apearances and keeping six clean sheets and earning credit for his long range passing ability.

Only Manuel Neuer completed a higher percentage of long passes out of all Bundesliga keepers last season and Zetterer, who signed a new three-year contract in May, was likely identified for his ability on the ball.

City are no strangers to plucking goalkeepers out of relative obscurity, having signed Ederson’s backup Stefan Ortega from a similar role with Arminia Bielefeld in 2022.