Stefan Ortega issues fresh warning to Manchester City teammate Ederson

Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has issued a fresh warning to Ederson ahead of the new 2024/25 campaign.

The 31-year-old signed a new contract at the Etihad Stadium in a major u-turn in June, penning a one-year extension until 2026 at Manchester City, despite interest from a number of clubs including Premier League rival Chelsea.

Ortega’s new deal could have provided the German with the opportunity to become first-choice in east Manchester, amid talk that Ederson could complete a big-money move to Saudi Arabia ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The German shot-stopper featured 20 times for Manchester City last season and notably helped the Blues win a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title, making a heroic save against Tottenham in May.

Ortega also started against both Real Madrid and Arsenal last season, and played in the defining clashes against both West Ham and Manchester United, as a result of an injury to Ederson.

Both goalkeepers have been on Manchester City’s pre-season tour of the United States, and are poised to remain at the Etihad Stadium this season, leading to continued competition for the first-choice spot.

Ortega has issued a fresh warning to both Ederson and Pep Guardiola ahead of the new season, telling the Manchester Evening News: “Personally I just try to be the number one. That’s it, no more than that.

“The situation right now is the same as the season before. I try to catch Eddy, but support him as well and everyone in the team. Obviously everyone wants to play and go higher and higher. This is what I try to do every day. At the end it’s always the decision of the manager. I just try to improve and bring him to a difficult situation.

“There’s a lot more to do for me. You’re here in one of the best three clubs in the world right now. It’s not easy to leave.”

Ortega could start Saturday’s FA Community Shield clash against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium, with Guardiola facing his first selection dilemma of the campaign.