Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has emerged as a summer transfer target for Premier League rivals Chelsea.
The German goalkeeper’s contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in 2025, and his lack of progress in contract extension negotiations with Manchester City has fueled rumours that he may leave in the summer.
The custodian made 20 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s team in the 2023–24 campaign, and with Ederson’s future becoming increasingly questionable ahead of next month’s transfer market, he may establish himself as East Manchester’s first option for the upcoming campaign.
After joining Manchester City on a free transfer from Arminia Bielefeld in 2022, Ortega helped the Sky Blues win the Premier League title this month, setting a record with a string of incredible saves against Tottenham in north London.
In addition, the German started crucial games against Arsenal and Real Madrid. Last weekend, he also played in the Emirates FA Cup Final against Manchester United and Liverpool at Anfield.
Because of worries about both Ederson’s and Ortega’s long-term future, Etihad authorities are facing a difficult decision ahead of the transfer window. The loss to Erik ten Hag’s team may be Ortega’s last game for Manchester City.
Ederson has been connected to a high-profile transfer to Saudi Arabia; at the moment, Al-Ittihad is the team most interested in acquiring the custodian this summer from Brazil.
The German custodian turned down a transfer to Brentford in west London in favour of joining Manchester City in 2022, but Premier League rivals Chelsea are keen on completing a move for Ortega.
The 31-year-old will join Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this summer, according to information provided by Manchester City insider “Tolmie’s Hairdoo” on X. The Blues will also choose Enzo Maresca as their next manager.
Before taking over as Leicester City’s head coach in 2023, Ortega was employed by Maresca at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian had been a member of Pep Guardiola’s first-team coaching staff during the treble-winning season.
In an effort to break the present deadlock in negotiations, Ortega has been offered a new contract with Manchester City and is scheduled for new contract extension talks.