Manchester City star ‘stalling’ contract extension talks throwing Etihad future into major doubt

Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega faces an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium after stalling contract extension talks.

The 31-year-old joined Manchester City on a free transfer from Arminia Bielefeld in 2022 and helped Pep Guardiola’s side win an historic treble during his maiden campaign at the club, playing an integral role in the Blues’ Emirates FA Cup success.

Ortega, who has made 23 appearances across the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and both domestic cup competitions, has become a hugely important member of the Manchester City squad.

The German made his City debut against Borussia Dortmund in October 2022 and was handed his first Premier League start against West Ham at the Etihad Stadium in May.

The goalkeeper has kept 11 clean sheets, and conceded just one goal during the Sky Blues’ successful FA Cup campaign last season, where Manchester City won the trophy for a second time under Guardiola.

Ortega featured in the FA Cup fifth round thrashing of Luton Town at Kenilworth Road last Tuesday, and played in the previous ties against both Huddersfield Town and Tottenham.

This campaign could be the goalkeeper’s last at the Etihad Stadium however, with the future of the 31-year-old having been thrown into doubt, amid interest from a number of European clubs in making Ortega their number one choice.

Manchester City rejected interest from Bayern Munich in signing Ortega last summer, but Sky Germany report that an exit could be ‘possible’ this year, after the goalkeeper opted to ‘stall’ contract extension talks with the club.

Ortega is reportedly set for crunch talks with the club, with manager Guardiola a ‘big fan’ of the German and keen to retain the services of the goalkeeper beyond this season.

The 31-year-old is claimed to be ‘ready’ to become a number one however, with RSC Anderlecht amongst the clubs interested in making a move for the shot-stopper.

Contract extension talks have been further impacted by ‘salary issues’, according to Florian Plettenberg.

Ortega is currently contracted at the Etihad Stadium until 2025, and had previously been subject to interest of Premier League side Brentford before signing for the Blues.