Stefan Ortega is reportedly ready to leave Manchester City if he does not become the first-choice goalkeeper in the next 12 months.
According to a report by German outlet Sport BILD, Stefan Ortega will only remain patient at Manchester City for a few more months. The 31-year-old is eager to learn whether he can become the first-choice goalkeeper at the Etihad in the 2025/26 season as he wants to replace Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the German national team. A January exit might be on the cards if the Premier League champions do not give him any assurances.
Stefan Ortega and his journey with Manchester City
Stefan Ortega has been a dependable backup option for Manchester City since arriving from Arminia Bielefeld in a Bosman move in July 2022. A native of Hofgeismar, he was eligible to represent Germany and Spain in international football but has picked the former as his national side.
The 31-year-old spent his formative years with four German clubs and graduated from the youth division at Arminia Bielefeld. Ortega rose in prominence during his spell with Die Arminen before joining Manchester City two years ago. Since then, the experienced goalkeeper has turned out 36 times for Manchester City while keeping 18 clean sheets and conceding 28 goals.
While the German-born goalkeeper has made his mark during his rare appearances, he is increasingly impatient at Manchester City despite signing a new contract this past summer. The summer transfer window produced links between Ederson Moraes and a few Saudi Pro League clubs.
What next?
Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad pushed hard to secure Ederson’s services in the summer transfer window before a move failed to see the light of day. Pep Guardiola had promised Stefan Ortega that he would become the first-choice goalkeeper at Manchester City, with Michael Zetterer likely becoming the new backup shot-stopper.
However, with Ederson continuing at Manchester City, Ortega has remained the backup goalkeeper. While the 31-year-old is ready to show patience, he wants to know if he can become the first-choice goalkeeper in the 2025/26 season. If he does not receive any assurances, a January exit will be on the cards.
Ortega will unlikely become the new first-choice goalkeeper, considering Manchester City and Ederson might soon resume talks over a new contract. So, a winter departure from the Etihad might be possible, with the German goalkeeper keen on taking over from the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the national team, which will only happen if he plays regularly.
