Official: Manchester City complete £34.9m signing of Ederson Moraes from Benfica

Manchester City continue to make a statement of intent after completing the signing 23-year-old goalkeeper Ederson Moraes from Benfica for a £34.9 million (€40 million) fee, of which Benfica will receive 50%, former club Rio Ave 30%, and Ederson’s agency, Gestifute 20%.

The highly-rated Brazilian moves to Etihad on a six-year contract and will take the number 31 shirt.

Ederson made over 50 appearances for Benfica’s first-team after displacing compatriot Júlio César in the 2015-16 season and City have been interested in signing him for over a year.

After months of speculation and a few delays due to the complex nature of his ownership, a deal was finally done today with the shot-stopper thought to be the second-most expensive goalkeeper of all time, behind Gianluigi Buffon.

Speaking to the official Manchester City website, Ederson said:

“I like everything about Manchester City. This is a great club, the league they have here in England and they have amazing fans and they play splendid football. I have always had the dream to play in English football and now I’m going to make it true.

“With Pep Guardiola, City are growing more and more. He is putting in place a young team for the future. Those were important factors in making my decision.

“Manchester City has an amazing squad. I think they managed to have a good season. Next season, we will have to be focused to achieve the goal of winning trophies.”