Manchester City identify potential Stefan Ortega replacement amid European and Middle-Eastern transfer interest

Etihad Stadium bosses have reportedly identified a potential replacement for current second-choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega ahead of the upcoming summer market.

The German goalkeeper has been a huge success since making the switch to Manchester City in the summer market of 2022, taking on the role of back-up goalkeeper to Ederson while excelling when called upon by Pep Guardiola.

Despite predominantly starring in cup competitions for City, Ortega has largely been faultless in his restricted UEFA Champions League and Premier League outings, whilst claiming Treble winner’s medals in his debut season with the club.

However, given his top-level performances and his desire to secure increased game-time at Manchester City, there is a feeling that such opportunities may only be available away from the club, and interest in Ortega’s signature is unlikely to be limited.

Etihad Stadium transfer bosses are well aware of the rising interest in the 31-year-old’s signature amid an unfavourable contractual situation, and are preparing for the possibility of an exit in the coming months.

That is according to the information of HITC’s Graeme Bailey, who reports that AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar has now emerged as ‘an option’ for City should they need to replace Ortega, while Wolves are another potential Premier League destination for the Serie A man.

It is reported that with Ortega’s current City contract running down and expiring in the summer of 2025, while clubs from both within Europe and the Middle East are interested, Etihad officials could be in the market to once again provide competition for Ederson.

Stefan Ortega opted to remain at Manchester City last summer despite intense interest from across Europe, including from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, as a sign of confidence in his abilities to displace Ederson as the Premier League side’s number one.

Very little change was seen in the opening half of the season, and a number of clubs are understood to have attempted to take advance of his lack of game time during the most recent January transfer window.

The feeling in some quarters is that Manchester City rejected approaches from within the Premier League for Stefan Ortega, with Nottingham Forest understood to have been one potential suitor for the former Arminia Bielefeld man.

While it remains to be seen whether Manchester City will be able to convince Ortega of an extended stay with the club, interest in the shot-stopper will not disappear anytime soon as the summer market approaches.