Turkish giants Fenerbahçe have completed the signing of esteemed Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson Santana de Moraes from Manchester City. Reports confirm that the transfer symbolizes a significant shift for the Portuguese-born shot-stopper, ending an eight-year tenure at the Premier League champions and heralding a fresh challenge in Istanbul.
The deal, valued between €13 million and €14 million—equivalent to approximately £11 million—marks one of the most high-profile transfers across the Turkish Süper Lig this summer. Ederson touched down in Istanbul late Monday, greeted by thousands of fans eager to welcome the decorated goalkeeper to his new home.
Throughout his spell at Manchester City, Ederson became a lynchpin in Pep Guardiola’s ambitious project. Since joining from Benfica in 2017 for £35 million, the Brazilian earned an enviable legacy: six Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups, the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and the historic treble in 2022–23.
He also secured numerous individual honors, including the prestigious FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper award in 2023.
Reflecting on his departure, Ederson expressed gratitude and pride in a heartfelt message: “I leave Manchester City incredibly proud of what we have achieved together… I would first of all like to thank Pep Guardiola and Head of Goalkeeping Xabier Mancisidor for making me the best goalkeeper I could be… Finally, the fans… Playing for City has been the most special time of my life and I will always be a fan of this special club.… Once a Blue, always a Blue.”
The narrative behind the transfer reveals deeper context. Manchester City had maintained that Ederson’s departure was contingent upon securing a suitable replacement. That condition was met by finalizing a deal for Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee reported between £26 million and €30–35 million.
This strategic orchestration allowed City to manage a seamless transition between the posts while ensuring Ederson’s exit did not disrupt the team’s stability.
At 32 years of age, Ederson arrives in Istanbul with a decorated resume, having made over 370 appearances for Manchester City and registering 122 Premier League clean sheets—making him one of the most successful goalkeepers in English football history.
His arrival is seen as a statement of intent by Fenerbahçe, who have long sought to assert dominance over arch-rivals Galatasaray—a quest fueled by renewed ambition under head coach José Mourinho.
Rumors this summer placed Ederson in the crosshairs of both Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, with early personal terms reportedly agreed with the latter; but Fenerbahçe’s persistence, reinforced by a superior financial package, ultimately won the day.
Negotiations included discussions on a substantial salary package—reports suggested Fenerbahçe were prepared to meet a three-plus-one-year deal with a €10 million annual wage, alongside Manchester City’s €15 million asking price.
From Ederson’s perspective, this move represents both a fresh professional challenge and a platform for continued excellence. He arrives at a club deeply ingrained in Turkish football culture, boasting a vast fanbase and a refined international presence across multiple sports.
For Fenerbahçe, the signing not only fortifies their goalkeeping department with elite talent but also delivers a high-impact statement in a fiercely competitive domestic landscape.