Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega facing race against time to find new club | OneFootball

Stefan Ortega could yet find himself well down the pecking order at Manchester City heading into the new season as his search for a new club proves complex.

The German goalkeeper has been one of Pep Guardiola’s most reliable deputies since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in 2022, regularly stepping in when Ederson has been unavailable and featuring heavily in cup competitions.

His assured presence between the sticks made him one of the most trusted number-two goalkeepers in Europe, but with Manchester City actively exploring changes to their goalkeeping unit this summer, Ortega is increasingly at a crossroads.

City’s pursuit of high-profile names such as Gianluigi Donnarumma has cast doubt over Ortega’s long-term role, while Ederson himself is the subject of ongoing talks regarding a move to Galatasaray.

Should the Brazilian exit, City will likely explore Donnarumma as their new first-choice, leaving Ortega’s own ambitions to be a number one hanging in the balance and the German also positioned behind James Trafford in the Etihad’s goalkeeping ranking.

Guardiola has often spoken of the importance of competition for places across his squad, but for Ortega, that competition risks turning into stagnation. Remaining at City could mean severely limited minutes, whereas a move away could provide him with the opportunity to establish himself as a leading figure.

According to The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell, Stefan Ortega is looking to find another club this summer but continues to search for ‘the right option’ and an opportunity that fits his own sporting expectations.

While there has been interest from Premier League and Bundesliga clubs, in addition to an ambitious enquiry from the Championship in England, the report insists that Ortega wants to be a number one choice at a club challenging for major honours.

However, the report also highlights that there are not many clubs at that level still seeking a new goalkeeper at this stage of the transfer market.

Should Stefan Ortega fail to secure a move, he risks spending an entire season as a third-choice – a damaging position in a FIFA World Cup season. On the other hand, if he is patient, a late opportunity could yet arise as clubs across Europe encounter last-minute changes of their own.

For now, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Ederson and Galatasaray, and Gianluigi Donnarumma and Manchester City. Should there be no change for either shot-stopper, then Ortega’s situation could be thrust to the very forefront of conversation.