David James believes Manchester would be much better off keeping Ederson at the club amid speculation the Brazilian could leave the Premier League champions this summer.
Ederson has been earmarked as a possible target for Saudi Pro League clubs, and there is a feeling that City could cash in on the goalie and install Stefan Ortega as the club's new number one.
However, former England keeper James isn't convinced Ortega is as well suited to Pep Guardiola's style, and the club should stick with their current first-choice stopper.
“I love Ederson – him and Alisson are my two favourite goalkeepers in the Premier League, so I’d rather see him playing in England than elsewhere,” he told Best Online Poker Sites.
“From Manchester City’s perspective, it’s not that Stefan Ortega can’t come in and cover Ederson, because he has previously and has performed well – particularly with that big save against Tottenham towards the end of last season.
“However, the dynamics when Ederson isn’t playing change because Manchester City give up more shots when Ortega is playing. It may be because opposition defences against Ederson have to be deeper because of his passing range and the ball over the top, but when Ortega plays, he has a lot more saves to make on the field and the team seem to concede more chances.
“There’s always interest for these big players from clubs in Saudi or elsewhere, but I think City will keep him for now.”
James also thinks any extended stay for Ederson could depend on the future of Guardiola, whose contract expires at the end of the coming season.
“I think something that hasn’t been touched upon enough is how long Pep Guardiola will stay at Manchester City,” he added.
“There was a suggestion that he was going to do his last year with the club then leave, which is the upcoming season. If you’re going to replace a goalkeeper, do the club do it thinking that the manager who’s asking for the replacement might not be there in two years’ time? How will that goalkeeper fit into any system?
“I think the club will keep Ederson there and let him sign a new deal, before going to Pep and asking if he can extend.”
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