Man City's popular first summer signing highlights clear 2025 transfer priority

If it wasn't a must-win final day showdown, there may have been some Manchester City fans hoping for a surprise Scott Carson appearance on Sunday.

With Ederson injured, Carson stepped up to the bench and was one injury or red card away from a third Manchester City appearance. As it happened, he happily stayed on the bench but still received one of the biggest cheers when announced to collect his Premier League winners' medal later in the afternoon.

Fans were delighted to learn of Carson's one-year extension on Thursday, with Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain hinting at more appearances for the 38-year-old in future. “We’re very pleased he has agreed to extend his contract. Hopefully he can help the squad and be ready when called upon on the pitch in the 2024/25 season," he said.

ALSO READ: Man City have finally solved biggest issue with £78m experiment and Phil Foden surprise

ALSO READ: Man City star Bernardo Silva has theory over Man United injury news for FA Cup final

Begiristain called Carson an important part of City's recent successes and has been praised by Pep Guardiola in recent weeks when the manager has discussed his goalkeeper department.

Carson's extension also means there are no longer any senior players out of contract this summer, avoiding a repeat of last year when Ilkay Gundogan was allowed to leave on a free. Carson will be out of contract next year, as will goalkeeping colleague Stefan Ortega, while Ederson would only have a year left.

Ortega has hinted at leaving to find more game time but did say after the title win that he currently has no offers that come close to bettering what he has at City. Ederson has been linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia, although Guardiola has reiterated on