Manchester City substitute for Ederson

Manchester City are reportedly eyeing a move for Werder Bremen goalkeeper Michael Zetterer. The Citizens are expected to sign a new goalkeeper should Ederson leave the Etihad this summer.

The Bundesliga goalkeeper has been linked with a surprise move to Manchester City

Who is Michael Zetterer?

Zetterer began his career at third-tier side Unterhaching before joining Wolfsburg in 2015. Consecutive loan spells at Klagenfurt and PEC Zwolle convinced Bremen to include him in their squad as a back-up goalkeeper in 2021. However, it took two more. years to finally beat Jiri Pavlenka for a starting spot at the club.

Excellent stats

Zetterer’s record of keeping six clean sheets in 27 Bundesliga games last season is impressive. But we need to take a closer look at the 28-year-old’s incredible stats to find out why he has attracted interest from abroad ahead of next term.

According to FBREF data, Zetterer saved 74.2% of shots on goal against Bremen last campaign, bettered by only three other goalkeepers in the Bundesliga.

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One of Opta’s key factors for goalkeepers is “Expected Goals After Shots (PSxG) minus Goals Allowed”, PSxG being the expected goals based on how likely a goalkeeper is to save a shot. Zetterer leads the Bundesliga with a +5 score in this category, with a significant gap to his nearest rival (Gregor Kobel at +3.8).

Another key quality of Zetterer is his ball skills. The Man City-bound goalkeeper completed 43.9% of passes (more than 40 meters) last season, bettered only by Manuel Neuer.

Ederson’s replacement at Man City?

The German could be City’s target to replace Ederson ahead of next season. The Brazilian goalkeeper has been linked with a move away from the Etihad this summer, with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad his main suitors.

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According to Christian Falk, they are interested in making a move for the German player, whose current deal runs until 2027 and includes a release clause.