Contract dispute puts Stefan Ortega’s Man City exit on the horizon | OneFootball

Manchester City number two goalkeeper Stefan Ortega could depart the Etihad Stadium this summer as talks of a contract extension hit a stumbling block.

According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, City and Ortega are struggling to find common ground on a salary package. The goalkeeper is also ready to step up to a more prominent role.

Ortega joined the treble winners on a free transfer in 2022, replacing Zack Steffen as City’s designated number two. He has performed exceptionally well in that role since.

The 31-year-old has made a big impression on the club’s coaches despite being largely limited to domestic cup appearances.

Ortega has featured twice in the Champions League and has an identical number of appearances in the Premier League, racking up just 352 minutes of football across both competitions.

He was named in goal in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal at the start of the season and has featured three times in the FA Cup, keeping two clean sheets.

Despite playing second fiddle to Ederson since he arrived, Ortega remains highly respected by Pep Guardiola, who remains loyal to the German stopper during cup competitions.

However, Ortega’s future at City hangs in the balance as the three-year deal he signed when he joined the Premier League champions expires at the end of next season.

Guardiola wants to keep him, but an extension agreement hasn’t been reached, prompting City to schedule further negotiations with the player’s representatives.

The German’s contract situation has alerted potential suitors, with Belgian club RSC Anderlecht reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation.

Ortega has enjoyed a hugely successful spell with City, winning five major trophies including last season’s treble. He was instrumental in their FA Cup success.

There is also uncertainty surrounding the future of record-signing Jack Grealish, who has struggled to assert himself in Guardiola’s first team this season.