Manchester City face transfer battle as European giants circle for first-team goalkeeper

A number of top clubs from across European football are reportedly eyeing the signing of Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Moreno, according to reports.

The German shot-stopper has become a huge hit amongst Manchester City supporters and first-team stars, largely as a result of his assured performances since joining last season’s Premier League champions from Arminia Bielefeld on a free transfer.

Ortega Moreno’s appearances under Pep Guardiola have largely come in domestic Cup competitions and contests with little at stake, but has also impressed at times when Ederson has required rest due to international commitments.

However, the restricted nature of Ortega’s opportunities in the starting line-up for Manchester City has led to interest elsewhere in European football, after a previous summer market that saw Bayern Munich make an approach for the player.

According to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, the reigning European champions are ‘facing a real battle’ to keep back-up goalkeeping option Stefan Ortega Moreno beyond next summer’s transfer window.

That is reportedly as a result of ‘a number of top clubs’ from within Europe becoming aware of his ‘desire’ to be a regular number one choice between the sticks.

As for the response from key officials at Manchester City, the report states that Etihad Stadium bosses want to acknowledge Ortega Moreno’s importance to the club and first-team operations with a ‘significant’ new deal.

Stefan Ortega is certainly not short of confidence in his own abilities, and has previously spoken out on his intention to become Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper, despite the superiority over the role shown by Ederson.

Speaking during a recent interview with a German media outlet, the 31-year-old explained, “I want to be the number one at Manchester City, otherwise I wouldn’t have come at all.”

Ortega is however aware of the situation he finds himself in at the Etihad Stadium, as he previously admitted, “Sometimes it’s tough but this is my job – to be there when the team needs me and to keep pushing Eddy every day.

“I’m ambitious so of course I’m not happy to sit on the bench, but we are in a team.”