The bizarre reason one of Manchester City's most important players wants to leave the club in this transfer window has reportedly been revealed.
Rumours suggest City goalkeeper Ederson is seeking a permanent departure ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
The 30-year-old has been Pep Guardiola's first-choice shot-stopper since his arrival from Benfica in 2017, making 332 appearances for the Citizens over the past seven years.
It is said, however, that the Brazilian is interested in swapping the Premier League for Saudi Arabia's top division in this transfer window.
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Al Nassr and Al Ittihad have been linked with moves for the 25-time Brazil international, whom Guardiola has admitted has "other options" when asked about the player's future recently.
Outside of the financial benefits he could gain from moving to Saudi, The Athletic claims the praise Stefan Ortega received in City's run-in last term has contributed to Ederson's desire to leave.
In particular, it is noted that Ortega's "title-winning save" in a victory over Tottenham Hotspur, and the reaction to it, played a part in the goalkeeper's decision.
With some City supporters suggesting at the time it was a save Ederson would not have been able to make, it is said he feels underappreciated at the Manchester giants.