Interest in Ederson from the Saudi Pro League has increased, with Al-Ittihad reportedly willing to meet City’s valuation of around £50m ($65m/€60m). The Brazilian has agreed personal terms with the Saudi Pro League side and is keen on a new challenge away from England.

Following City’s 4-3 defeat to Celtic in a friendly in North Carolina, Guardiola admitted he was uncertain about Ederson’s future.

“I want him to stay but it depends on other clubs,” he told reporters. “I don’t know the situation. There has been no contact in the last few days. The point is to train, stay with us until the end of the transfer window and we will see.”

While it remains unclear where Ederson will play next season, Kalvin Phillips looks set to leave City, most likely via another loan spell after a challenging spell at West Ham. He was dropped at half-time against Celtic, a decision Guardiola said was to protect the player following his injury woes towards the end of last season.

“That’s why we didn’t give him more minutes,” Guardiola explained. “I don’t know what will happen. He knows the situation, and we’ll see.”

If Ederson decides to leave, Guardiola is determined not to leave Manchester City without a goalkeeper. Reports say City have identified Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma as a potential replacement.

As City continue their pre-season preparations in the US, the Etihad Stadium will be buzzing with some transfer activity. Guardiola’s comments reflect his desire to keep the Brazilian, but with Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal, the manager could lose his number one.