Pep Guardiola reveals goalkeeping action plan amid Ederson return and Stefan Ortega transfer uncertainty

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has outlined a goalkeeping plan ahead of Ederson’s imminent return from injury and Stefan Ortega exit talk.

The 53-year-old is facing a major goalkeeping dilemma ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace and Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie with Real Madrid.

Stefan Ortega, who has stalled contract extension talks with Manchester City over his role within the squad, has started Manchester City’s last three matches in the absence of Ederson, who suffered an injury after a collision with Darwin Nunez at Anfield last month.

The German goalkeeper helped secure a point against both Liverpool and Arsenal with impressive performances, with the 31-year-old also making a series of crucial stops during Wednesday’s win over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.

Ortega has made 27 appearances for Manchester City since signing on a free transfer in July 2022, and has revealed an ambition to stake a claim to be the Sky Blues’ first choice goalkeeper, amid talk of a summer exit from the Etihad Stadium.

Ederson has made 36 starts across the Premier League and UEFA Champions League so far this season, and is expected to imminently return from the sidelines, having missed four matches for Manchester City and two international friendlies for Brazil.

Pep Guardiola suggested that the Brazilian shot-stopper could return this weekend, although City face a further eight matches across three competitions this month.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s visit to Selhurst Park, Guardiola refused to reveal whether Ortega would keep his place in the team following an impressive four-game streak, and suggested that the club’s goalkeeping coach could impact the decision.

“Yes, Stefan is playing really good, so we have to think about it as well,” admitted Guardiola.

“I’ll speak with Xavier (Mancisidor), maybe we give a little more time, maybe not, we’ll see tonight and tomorrow.

“But, we have the guarantee. Of course Scott is important third keeper and important for many reasons, but Eddie and Stefen – we are so safe because both are exceptional keepers, exceptional.”

Ortega was linked with a move to Bayern Munich last summer, and after recently purchasing a house in Germany, the 31-year-old has been linked with a return to the Bundesliga ahead of the 2024/25 season.