Fenerbahce Join Ederson Transfer Race as Man City Future Hangs in the Balance

For the better part of a decade, Ederson has been Manchester City’s undisputed No.1, the goalkeeper who helped Pep Guardiola’s team redefine modern football with his composure, distribution, and ability to turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye. But suddenly, the Brazilian’s future at the Etihad feels more uncertain than ever.

In a surprising twist to the summer window, Fenerbahce have entered the race to sign Ederson, hoping to hijack the deal after Galatasaray’s €10 million bid was swiftly rejected. The Turkish transfer market remains open for another couple of weeks, and that gives both Istanbul giants time to test City’s resolve. What seemed unthinkable just a year ago now looks like a very real possibility: Ederson could be on his way out of Manchester before the middle of September.

Fenerbahce Enter Ederson Race with Bold Ambition

According to Fabrizio Romano, Fenerbahce are “working on” a deal to lure Ederson to Kadikoy. It is an audacious move, not just because of the player’s reputation but also because of the context. Galatasaray tried their luck earlier this week with an offer in the region of €10 million, only to be knocked back by City, who considered it far below their valuation.

For Fenerbahce, this is more than just a signing. This is about making a statement—about matching their rivals’ ambition and proving they can attract global stars of the highest calibre. The Süper Lig has seen its fair share of big names in recent years, from Mauro Icardi to Dries Mertens, but bringing in a goalkeeper of Ederson’s pedigree would be a different level altogether.

The timing is intriguing too. Ederson has just 12 months left on his City contract, and with no extension agreed, this could be the last chance for Guardiola’s side to recoup a significant fee before losing him for free next summer.

Manchester City’s Changing Goalkeeping Landscape

Gianluigi Donnarumma Man City GFX

Part of the reason Ederson’s departure has even become a topic is the arrival of James Trafford. The young England goalkeeper was signed with the future in mind, but few expected him to displace Ederson so quickly.

Yet Trafford has already started more games this season, taking advantage of the Brazilian’s illness at the start of the campaign and then keeping his place with some impressive early displays. While City’s preference was reportedly to rotate the two and let Ederson gradually regain his spot, Trafford’s rapid rise has shifted the dynamics.

That leaves Guardiola with a delicate decision. Does he keep a legendary figure who has given everything to the club but now wants clarity on his future? Or does he allow Ederson to walk away, banking on Trafford’s potential and moving for another marquee name if required?

Donnarumma Waiting in the Wings

Juventus FC v Manchester City FC: Group G – FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Ederson

The biggest subplot in all this is Gianluigi Donnarumma. Romano has suggested that if Ederson does leave, Manchester City “will” move decisively for the Italian goalkeeper.

Donnarumma’s time at PSG has been turbulent despite his immense talent. Luis Enrique has been rotating his options and is not entirely convinced by the 25-year-old as the club’s long-term No.1. That has opened the door to a transfer, and City would be one of the very few clubs who could afford him, both in terms of fee and wages.

But there’s a catch. While Turkish clubs have until September 13 to finalise transfers, City’s own window closes at 7pm BST on Monday. If they are to go after Donnarumma, they would need absolute clarity that Ederson is leaving within the next 48 hours. That timing pressure makes the situation even more dramatic.

Fenerbahce vs Galatasaray: A Derby Played in the Market

Beyond the footballing implications, there is a cultural and emotional angle here too. Transfers between Istanbul giants are often just as fiercely contested as matches on the pitch.

Galatasaray’s rejected bid looked like it could open the door for them to return with a stronger offer. But now Fenerbahce are in the frame, and that shifts the narrative completely. Signing Ederson would not only strengthen their squad immeasurably—it would also represent a symbolic victory over their eternal rivals.

For Ederson himself, the choice could come down to which club presents the more compelling project. Fenerbahce have been building ambitiously, with a new coach and a clear desire to dominate domestically while making noise in Europe. Galatasaray, on the other hand, remain the reigning champions and can offer Champions League football. Either way, Ederson would be walking into a football-mad city where his every save would be scrutinised and celebrated in equal measure.

Ederson’s Legacy at Manchester City

Should he depart, Ederson would leave behind a remarkable legacy at Manchester City. Since arriving in 2017 from Benfica, he has played 372 games, won multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and of course, the club’s first-ever Champions League in 2023.

But perhaps his biggest contribution was stylistic. Ederson changed what it meant to be a goalkeeper in English football. His ability to ping 70-yard passes with pinpoint accuracy transformed City’s build-up play and gave Guardiola’s system an extra dimension. Few keepers in world football have combined shot-stopping, distribution, and composure quite like him.

Yet football moves fast. As Trafford emerges and Donnarumma waits in the wings, City may decide the time is right for a changing of the guard.

What Happens Next?

With the Turkish window still open, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray will no doubt continue to test City’s stance. The question is whether the Premier League champions can afford to wait. If Ederson truly wants to leave, they may need to accelerate talks and finalise their own contingency plans quickly.

For now, the situation remains delicately poised. Ederson is still a City player, but the winds of change are blowing. Fenerbahce are serious contenders, Galatasaray are unlikely to give up, and Manchester City are quietly weighing up a move for Donnarumma.

Whatever happens, the next week could shape not just the future of one of the world’s most famous goalkeepers, but also the balance of power in Turkish football.