Manchester City show door to first-team goalkeeper after James Trafford signing | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City have formally opened the door for Stefan Ortega to leave the club this summer after securing the services of 22-year-old James Trafford.

The Germany international goalkeeper has played an important role during his time at the Etihad Stadium, most notably during the 2023/24 campaign en route to a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title for the club.

It was Ortega’s remarkable one-versus-one save in the 0-2 victory away to Tottenham in the penultimate game of the campaign to deny Heung-min Son that set Pep Guardiola’s side on their way to the top-flight crown, following an injury to Ederson.

However, the latest development in Manchester City’s goalkeeping department signals the end of Ortega’s stint as Pep Guardiola begins reshaping his options for the future, after James Trafford’s return from Burnley in a package worth £31 million.

The Englishman, a product of City’s academy, has been brought back not just to provide backup but to push Ederson in what is expected to be the Brazilian’s final season in Manchester, but all while viewed internally as the club’s future number one.

Manchester City had reportedly proposed Stefan Ortega in a player-plus-cash offer to Burnley during Trafford negotiations, in a deal that was ultimately turned down by Vincent Kompany’s former club.

However, the move demonstrated City’s willingness to move the German on, and with Ortega entering the final 12 months of his contract and eager for regular first-team football, his departure now appears to be a matter of when, not if.

According to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Stefan Ortega is expected to leave Manchester City following James Trafford’s arrival, while Ederson will head into his ninth season at the club as Pep Guardiola’s number one choice.

With regards to the future of City’s German shot-stopper, who has enjoyed a thoroughly successful three seasons at the Etihad Stadium, there has reportedly already been interest from both Premier League and Bundesliga clubs.

Bundesliga clubs are believed to have been monitoring Ortega’s situation, while interest from the English top-flight also remains active. The 31-year-old has earned admirers for his sharp reflexes, distribution, and composure under pressure, all attributes that saw him start crucial matches in City’s title races and cup runs over the past two seasons.

Should Ortega depart, Manchester City’s goalkeeping group will likely be restructured again in 2026, especially if Ederson completes his expected exit to either Saudi Arabia or Galatasaray next summer, should the latter reignite their interest.

Until then, James Trafford could be given opportunities in domestic cup competitions and lower-intensity fixtures, offering Pep Guardiola a chance to gradually bed in the young keeper without disrupting continuity.