Man City ‘Set Sights’ on Move to Sign Former Manchester United Goalkeeper – Report | OneFootball

Man City Set Sights on Milinkovic-Savic: Could He Replace Ederson?

Manchester City are reportedly eyeing up a potential summer swoop for Torino’s standout goalkeeper, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. The towering Serbian shot-stopper, standing at an imposing 6ft 8in, has emerged as a key target for Pep Guardiola’s side as they contemplate life without their long-serving No.1, Ederson. However, the Citizens are not alone in their pursuit, as Napoli, under Antonio Conte, are also monitoring the situation closely.

The race for Milinkovic-Savic is heating up, but what makes him such an intriguing option for City? And could he truly step into Ederson’s boots and thrive in Guardiola’s intricate system?

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Milinkovic-Savic: A Commanding Presence Between the Sticks

Milinkovic-Savic’s journey to prominence has been anything but straightforward. After joining Manchester United in 2014, he failed to make a senior appearance and departed two years later for Polish side Lechia Gdansk. Eventually landing at Torino in 2017, it took time for him to establish himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. However, his perseverance has paid off this season, with his performances drawing admiration from some of Europe’s elite.

According to Calcio Napoli, who cite Tuttosport, Milinkovic-Savic has become a key target for both Manchester City and Napoli. He has registered ten clean sheets in 30 matches for Torino this term and has been their second-best performer behind only Duvan Zapata. Notably, his save percentage of 77.3% leads the Serie A charts, as does his record of saving four penalties.

Such statistics are a testament to his commanding presence and remarkable reflexes. Moreover, both City’s incoming director of football, Hugo Viana, and Napoli boss Conte are said to be particularly impressed with his ability to play out from the back — a fundamental requirement in Guardiola’s possession-based philosophy.

Why City Are Ready to Move on From Ederson

The Brazilian custodian has been a stalwart for Manchester City since his arrival in 2017, offering outstanding distribution and composure under pressure. However, his performances this season have not quite met the lofty standards he set in previous campaigns. A string of uncharacteristic errors and an apparent desire to seek a move to Saudi Arabia have prompted the club to consider potential replacements.

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Reports suggest that Stefan Ortega, City’s current backup, is eager for more game time should Ederson depart. However, the opportunity to bring in a proven shot-stopper like Milinkovic-Savic could be too tempting to resist. At 28 years old, the Serbian international is in his prime and has demonstrated the qualities necessary to command his area and marshal a defence.

Moreover, with his brother Sergej Milinkovic-Savic thriving at Al-Hilal, there could be a familial influence on his next move. Torino, for their part, are aware of the growing interest and are said to be open to reasonable offers, though his contract until 2026 (with an option for a further year) puts them in a strong negotiating position.

A New Dimension to Guardiola’s Game Plan?

One of Milinkovic-Savic’s most notable attributes is his ability to play with his feet — a fundamental aspect of Guardiola’s philosophy. Ederson revolutionised the goalkeeper role with his pinpoint passing and bravery under pressure. Now, City are seeking a successor who can not only replicate that skill but also bring a fresh dimension to the backline.

Conte’s Napoli are also in the mix, drawn to the Serbian’s unique combination of height, shot-stopping prowess, and technical ability. It remains to be seen whether City or Napoli will make the first concrete offer, but the battle for his signature is undoubtedly heating up.

The advantage for City lies in their ability to offer Champions League football and the opportunity to work with one of the most esteemed managers in the game. However, Conte’s personal admiration for the player and Napoli’s recent domestic success could give them a competitive edge.

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From a Manchester City fan’s perspective, the idea of replacing Ederson might seem daunting, given his iconic status at the club. However, the facts speak for themselves — his performances have dipped, and the prospect of a move abroad looms large. Enter Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, a keeper whose physical presence alone commands attention.

Milinkovic-Savic represents an intriguing alternative, with his impressive stats and unique ability to play out from the back making him a natural fit for Guardiola’s system. The Serbian’s towering frame and quick reflexes would add a new dimension to City’s defence, particularly in dealing with aerial threats — something Ederson has occasionally struggled with.

However, the transition from Serie A to the Premier League is never straightforward, and there’s always a risk that he may not adapt to the speed and physicality of English football. Additionally, with Napoli equally determined to land his signature, it’s far from a straightforward pursuit.

Ultimately, if City do decide to part ways with Ederson, Milinkovic-Savic looks like a worthy successor. He combines the qualities of a modern goalkeeper with a more traditional presence, and under Guardiola’s guidance, he could develop into one of the best in the Premier League.