Eddie Stays For Now - But Long-Term Questions Remain

Yes, Marcus Bettinelli arrived, but at 33, he’s not here to push for the No. 1 shirt. His role is depth, nothing more.

Despite speculation last season, both Ederson and Stefan Ortega are expected to remain at the Etihad for at least another year. Ederson turns 32 in August. Ortega hits 33 in November. Neither is part of the club’s long-term picture.

Ederson’s season was disrupted by injuries. He came close to joining the Saudi Pro League in 2024 and had a poor outing in the recent loss to Al Hilal. He may stay another year, but there’s little doubt City will need to think about replacing him by 2026.

Ortega has been dependable as second choice. But even ignoring his age, there’s little to suggest he’s seen internally as Ederson’s successor. The German has considered first-team moves elsewhere more than once in recent years.

City’s recent recruitment drive leans young. Josko Gvardiol, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico Gonzalez, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki all fit the model. The goalkeeping department doesn’t.

At present, City have three keepers in their 30s. It’s a gap in the strategy. Signing a younger goalkeeper now—someone who can learn under Ederson and push for starts—would avoid a situation next summer where both first and second choices need replacing at once.

Whatever route City take, it’s clear Hugo Viana has work to do. The new sporting director has overseen a busy rebuild across the pitch. Sorting out the future between the posts will be one of his next key tasks.