Manchester has long been home to two of the world’s most high-profile goalkeepers. Ederson Moraes, with his calm distribution and laser-guided passing, has been the foundation of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City dynasty. On the other side of town, André Onana arrived at Manchester United as a symbol of change — a modern goalkeeper expected to revolutionise their build-up play.
Now, in a dramatic twist, both are set to leave the Premier League and move to Turkey. Ederson has completed a surprise transfer to Fenerbahçe, while Onana is on the verge of joining Trabzonspor. Two of the biggest clubs in England suddenly find themselves without their main goalkeepers, and the shockwaves are being felt far beyond Manchester.
Ederson: The End of an Era at City
For seven years, Ederson has been central to Manchester City’s success. Signed from Benfica in 2017, his fearless distribution and sweeper-keeper instincts transformed how Guardiola’s team built attacks. He wasn’t just a goalkeeper — he was the first playmaker, often splitting opposition lines with passes most midfielders would envy.
During his time in Manchester, Ederson won everything there was to win: multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and most importantly, the Champions League in 2023. Alongside Alisson at Liverpool, he redefined the standards for Premier League goalkeepers.
Yet his departure to Fenerbahçe, while surprising, feels like the end of a cycle. Injuries disrupted his 2024–25 season, and City have long been preparing for succession planning in goal. Stefan Ortega has proven himself a reliable deputy, and the club may now look to either promote him or bring in a younger long-term replacement.
Still, Ederson’s exit is symbolic. It marks the close of a chapter in City’s dominance, leaving Guardiola with the challenge of refreshing his side without one of its most reliable pillars.
Onana: A Short, Tumultuous Spell at United
If Ederson’s exit feels like the conclusion of a long story, André Onana’s departure is more like an unfinished chapter. Signed from Inter Milan in 2023, Onana was supposed to be the modernising presence David de Gea never was. His distribution and confidence on the ball promised to revolutionise United’s style.
But things didn’t go to plan. Onana’s debut season was a rollercoaster of errors and moments of brilliance. He pulled off big saves in important games, even helping United to lift the FA Cup, but his lapses in concentration and risky decisions frequently cost the team. Fans never felt fully secure with him in goal.
Now, just two years later, he is on the verge of leaving for Trabzonspor. The decision appears to have been accelerated by new manager Rúben Amorim, who made it clear he does not view Onana as his long-term No.1. For the Cameroonian, a move to Turkey could be a chance to reset his career away from the glare of Old Trafford.
Both Manchester Clubs Without Their No.1s
The simultaneous departure of Ederson and Onana is remarkable. Rarely do both halves of Manchester find themselves needing to solve the same problem at the same time.
For City, the transition looks smoother. Ortega has shown he can handle the pressure, and Guardiola’s structure often protects the goalkeeper. Still, Ederson’s unique passing range will be missed, and finding someone with similar qualities will not be easy.
For United, the situation is more precarious. Altay Bayindir has yet to fully convince as a Premier League starter, while Senne Lammens is a young project, not ready to shoulder the burden of Old Trafford expectations. Amorim may have to dip into the market if he wants a reliable No.1, but United’s budget is already stretched.
Why Turkey?
Some fans may be surprised to see two high-profile Premier League goalkeepers moving to the Turkish Super Lig. Yet both transfers make sense in their own way.
For Ederson, Fenerbahçe offer a new challenge in a passionate football culture, along with the financial incentive of a lucrative contract. At 32, he still has years left at the top but perhaps felt the need for a fresh start after winning everything at City.
Onana, meanwhile, gets the chance to step away from the relentless scrutiny of English football. At Trabzonspor, he can rebuild confidence and play with less pressure. Turkey has become a popular destination for high-profile players seeking a balance between competitive football and a supportive environment.
The Wider Impact on the Premier League
Losing both Ederson and Onana in the same summer weakens the Premier League’s star power in goal. These were two of the division’s most recognisable figures — one a proven champion, the other a high-profile arrival who stirred constant debate.
Their departures also highlight the volatility of the goalkeeper position. Clubs can dominate possession and dictate matches, but if there is uncertainty between the posts, the entire structure wobbles. Both Manchester clubs will now need to make decisive moves to ensure stability in a position that often defines title challenges.
Fans’ Reactions
City fans are likely to feel a bittersweet sadness. Ederson was not just a goalkeeper but part of the club’s identity under Guardiola. His ability to spark attacks from the back was unlike anything seen before in England. Saying goodbye will hurt, even if they trust Guardiola to find a solution.
United supporters, on the other hand, are divided. Many lost patience with Onana long ago and will welcome a fresh start. Others feel the club’s chaotic handling of the goalkeeper position — moving from De Gea to Onana to potentially Bayindir or someone else in such quick succession — reflects deeper problems in recruitment strategy.
Final Thoughts
The exits of Ederson and Onana mark the end of an era for Manchester football. One leaves as a decorated champion, the other as a polarising figure whose promise never quite materialised. Yet both departures leave huge question marks for City and United as they prepare for the new season.
For Pep Guardiola, replacing Ederson is a tactical challenge but not an existential one — City’s machine-like structure gives them room to adapt. For Rúben Amorim, losing Onana only adds to the complexity of his rebuild at Old Trafford, where patience is already in short supply.
