Manchester City identify Stefan Ortega replacement but face Liverpool and Arsenal competition

Manchester City could look to join the race to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson next summer.  

Pep Guardiola could be forced to enter the market for a new goalkeeper ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, amid strong interest from across Europe in signing current Manchester City shot-stopper Stefan Ortega.

The 31-year-old moved to the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer in July 2022, and has impressed as an understudy to Ederson, making 21 appearances and helping Manchester City to FA Cup glory last season.

The German goalkeeper featured during the Sky Blues’ recent 3-2 Premier League win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park, after Ederson was forced off inside the opening 10 minutes due to injury.

Bayern Munich were amongst the clubs to make a move to sign Ortega last summer, but the goalkeeper rejected the chance to move to the Allianz Arena.

Manchester City could be set to make a handsome profit should they sell the 31-year-old, with the shot-stopper expected to be subject to fresh transfer interest at the end of the season.

The German’s ambition to regularly play first-team football could impact the Blues’ hopes of keeping the goalkeeper, forcing the treble-winners into the transfer market.

Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson is reportedly being lined up as a potential replacement for Ortega by Manchester City, with the Englishman drawing interest from a host of top-flight clubs.

Arsenal and Liverpool are amongst the Premier League sides to be interested in signing the 23-year-old, according to outlet HITC.

City are ‘very interested’ in signing the current Sunderland shot-stopper, with the Championship side willing to cash in on the player at the end of the season, despite Patterson having a contract at the Stadium of Light until 2028.

The Englishman has conceded 30 goals in 27 Sky Bet Championship appearances so far this season, with Sunderland currently bidding to reach the play-off places.

Manchester City have started looking at the goalkeeper as a replacement for Ortega, should the German choose to depart at the end of the season.