Pep Guardiola accused of ‘lying’ by furious fans after leaving Ederson out of Man City squad amid Galatasaray transfer talks

Manchester City kicked off their Premier League season with more drama off the pitch than on it — and it all revolved around goalkeeper Ederson.

The Brazilian shot-stopper was nowhere to be seen in City’s matchday squad for the season opener against Wolves on Saturday, sparking a wave of speculation about his future.

Instead, new arrival James Trafford was handed his debut in goal, with Stefan Ortega named on the bench — leaving many supporters stunned to see Ederson missing altogether.

When asked about the decision, Pep Guardiola brushed it off with a simple explanation. “Stomach problems,” the City boss told reporters, claiming illness had ruled his No.1 out of action.

But fans weren’t buying it.

Fans call Guardiola’s excuse ‘nonsense’

The reaction on social media was instant, and brutal.

One supporter wrote on X: “Pep says Ederson has ‘stomach problems’. Lmao.”

Another added: “Pep chatting. He’s not there because he’s leaving the club. At least make it believable.”

Others were even more direct, calling the manager’s comments “bullsh*t” and mocking the idea that the timing of Ederson’s illness was just a coincidence.

Given the goalkeeper’s ongoing links to Turkish giants Galatasaray, the doubts were inevitable. Reports in Turkey suggest the Super Lig champions have tabled an offer worth around €10 million (£8.5m) for the 31-year-old, though City are believed to be holding out for more.

Galatasaray move gathering pace

Ederson has been one of Guardiola’s most trusted players since arriving from Benfica in 2017, racking up over 300 appearances and playing a key role in City’s domestic dominance.

But after a trophyless campaign last season — City finished third and failed to lift silverware for the first time in six years — big changes are expected at the Etihad.

Galatasaray see Ederson as the missing piece in their Champions League puzzle and are pushing hard to bring him to Istanbul before the transfer window closes. However, sources close to City insist they won’t sanction a sale unless the Turkish club significantly raises its bid.

That has only added to the suspicion that Guardiola’s “stomach problems” explanation was a smokescreen to cover an increasingly likely departure.

PSG’s Donnarumma waiting in the wings?

If Ederson does leave, City are already being linked with a blockbuster replacement. Reports in France suggest Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been earmarked as a potential target.

The Italian, still just 26, has endured a mixed spell in Paris but remains one of the most highly rated keepers in world football. A move to the Premier League could suit all parties — and Guardiola has never been shy about demanding the very best in every position.

A storm brewing at City

For now, Guardiola will hope the drama doesn’t derail his side’s push to reclaim the Premier League title.

But the cloud hanging over Ederson’s future — combined with the fans’ growing scepticism about the official line — means the goalkeeper saga is set to dominate City’s start to the season.

Whether it was truly “stomach problems” or the beginning of the end for one of City’s longest-serving stars, one thing is clear: this story is far from over.