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By Martin Graham | 24th Jul 2024
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has expressed uncertainty over the future of goalkeeper Ederson, who has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League. While Guardiola affirmed his preference to retain Ederson, he acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests on the actions of other clubs.
“We haven’t had any recent contacts,” Guardiola commented following City’s 4-3 defeat in a friendly against Celtic in North Carolina. “It’s all about training and staying with us until the transfer window closes, and then we’ll see.”
In the Premier League champions’ first pre-season game, Ederson replaced Stefan Ortega at halftime, despite being Guardiola’s preferred first-choice goalkeeper last season. Ortega had notably started in their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.
Phillips likely to depart, Haaland captains in friendly defeat
Kalvin Phillips, on the other hand, seems set to leave Manchester City, most likely on a loan deal before the transfer window shuts on August 30. Phillips, who had a difficult stint at West Ham during the latter half of last season, failed to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
Against Celtic, Phillips was substituted at halftime, a move Guardiola said was precautionary due to Phillips’ recent injury struggles. “We didn’t give him more minutes to protect him,” explained Guardiola. “He understands the situation, and we’ll see what happens.”
In the friendly, Erling Haaland was given the captain’s armband for the first time, leading a mix of youth and experience in the starting lineup. City, which featured six academy graduates along with seasoned players like Phillips, Jack Grealish, and Stefan Ortega, saw Oscar Bobb score an equalizer in the 33rd minute after Nicolas Kuhn’s opening goal for Celtic.
Celtic, playing their fourth pre-season match, took a 3-1 lead into halftime with Kuhn adding a second and Kyogo Furuhashi also scoring. City narrowed the gap early in the second half with Maximo Perrone’s quick goal, followed by Haaland’s header to tie the game shortly before the hour mark.
However, Celtic secured the win with Luis Palma’s 68th-minute goal on a counter-attack. The Bhoys continue their US tour against Chelsea in Indiana, while Manchester City will face AC Milan in New York.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
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