Sources: Manchester City star informs inner circle of desire to leave the club this summer | OneFootball

Manchester City could be bracing themselves for a formal request over an exit from the club this summer issued by a key member of Pep Guardiola’s first-team playing squad.

The upcoming summer transfer window is expected to be a market that brings about significant change led by the club’s incoming director of football Hugo Viana, off the back of an underwhelming campaign across competitions.

Manchester City’s defence of their fourth consecutive Premier League crown largely came crashing down throughout November and December, while the club also failed to make the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2012/13 season.

As such, that sparked decision makers into action during the midway stage of the season and the January transfer market, when a spend in excess of £170 million was issued on the signings of Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Nico Gonzalez, and Omar Marmoush.

And while the spending is unlikely to stop there, it is further believed that wholesale changes could include a number of high-profile exits in addition to Kevin De Bruyne’s confirmed exit after a decision was made not to extend the legendary Belgian’s contract at the Etihad.

Among the positions that could now see alterations is the goalkeeper ranks, with a growing belief that Ederson could be on his way out particularly given links to FC Porto and Portugal international shot-stopper, Diogo Costa.

Now, City Xtra understands that Manchester City’s current number one choice goalkeeper in Ederson has informed the club of his wish to assess future options, having also told those in his inner circle of a firm desire to now move on in his professional playing career.

In light of his stance, City Xtra have also been made aware of Saudi Arabia being the Brazil international’s preferred destination during the upcoming summer transfer window and closed season.

Ederson was first linked with a big-money exit away from Manchester City during the last summer transfer window, when clubs in the Middle-East had identified the player as someone who may be interested in such a move.

While the reigning Premier League champions at the time were open to the idea of selling their long-standing shot-stopper, they were also firm on their stance with regards to a price tag, believing that only £50 million would permit a sale.

Ultimately, no club in the Saudi Pro League was willing to exceed the £30 million mark on Ederson and the Brazilian would remain at the club for the ongoing season, retaining his status as number one between the posts ahead of Stefan Ortega Moreno.

Ederson personally confirmed the transfer saga of last summer as ‘over’ in early August as he told Brazilian media, “I spoke with some players, the coach, director, everyone. I talked to my family and it was a joint decision. We’ll stay more years at Manchester City.”

The Premier League’s all-time leading assist provider from the goalkeeping position also said of a conversation he had with Pep Guardiola at the time, “He expressed what he wants, the decision he wants, asked me to think carefully, the best decision for me and my family, and I decided. I guess this chat was fundamental to my decision to stay.”

For now, it remains to be seen what clubs in the Middle-East are specifically interested in Ederson, and just how much Manchester City would be willing to sell the player for given his contract only running until the end of next season.