English Premier League kicks off with thrilling action: Weekend 1 overview
With new players, coaches and newly appointed captains from respective clubs, let’s analyse the matches that happened this opening English Premier League weekend.
Manchester City have signed Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson from Portuguese side Benfica, according to the club.
While the official figure has not been revealed, it is said to be around £35 million, which would make him the second most expensive goalkeeper of all time, behind Juventus veteran Gianluigi Buffon.
"I like everything about Manchester City," Ederson was quoted as saying by the club on its website.
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“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,” he added.
City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, added: “We are delighted to bring Ederson to Manchester City. He is one of the best young goalkeepers in the Europe and he is an important addition to the squad for next season and the coming seasons.”
Ederson is the second signing for City this summer, as the English giants have already acquired the services of Monaco midfielder Bernardo Silva.
Born Ederson Santana de Moraes, he began his career as a youth with São Paulo FC, spending two years before joining second tier Portuguese outfit Ribeirão in 2011. At the lower-league side he caught the eye of Portuguese giants Benfica, who got a five-year contract in 2015.
Initially a backup for Brazilian veteran Julio Cesar, Emerson became the Eagles’ first-choice in the 2016-17 season and never looked back as the his side won a League and Cup Double.
With City suffering a goalkeeping crisis last season as Claudio Bravo was a disaster, it was always likely they would seek to buy another shot-stopper this transfer window and reports had been circulating that the young custodian was on the top of their shopping list.
Ederdson reflexes and distribution are among his best attributes and the left-footed goalkeeper is also quick to spot any potential danger, rushing out to clear his lines and snuff out any potential danger.
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