One Manchester City player is said to actually really keen to remain at the club this summer, amid speculation he could depart – but it’s also possible he could leave in just a few weeks.
The squad is likely to see plenty of changes this summer, as Pep Guardiola seeks to strengthen ahead of 2024/25 ready to go in pursuit of more silverware.
It could potentially be the Spaniard’s final season in charge at the Etihad Stadium. If it is his plan to do one final season, then he will want to go out with a bang.
One man whose future is up in the air at the moment is Stefan Ortega.
The German stopper has seriously impressed this season, having made 19 appearances this term with Ederson picking up several knocks.
Ortega’s best moment came when he denied Heung-min Son last week to help City beat Tottenham Hotspur. It was a save Jamie Carragher felt won City the title.
On Tuesday afternoon, Florian Plettenberg offered an update on his situation…
Stefan Ortega wants to stay at Manchester City, but talks remain ‘significantly stalled’
Praise has been plentiful for Ortega over the past week or so.
The 31-year-old has played an important role this season as Ederson‘s back-up. He has always delivered when called upon, and the belief for many now is that Ortega could start for many other clubs.
Ortega has shone and City are hopeful that he will stay this summer.
In fact, the club are trying to extend the £55,000-a-week star’s contract. But talks have stalled and journalist Florian Plettenberg has reported that remains the case. Apparently, Ortega is very clear he wants to be a number one which is the sticking point in the negotiations.
Plettenberg said on X: “News #Ortega | The 31 y/o would like to stay at ManCity, but the talks about a contract extension until 2026 are still significantly stalled!
“There is still no agreement, especially on financial aspects
“For Ortega, it is clear that he wants to be the No. 1 in the future, either at #MCFC or at another club. If an extension is not reached in the next few weeks, a move in the summer is planned.”
It could all depend on Ederson
So there is still no movement on a new deal for Ortega, and it is very much looking as though everything will depend on Ederson.
Ortega knows he is good enough to be the number one at many other clubs. Ideally, he would like to be that at Manchester City. But we know how much Pep loves Ederson, and we know he sees the Brazilian as integral to the way his side play.
It has been reported today that Ederson could actually leave City this summer. Apparently, if a ‘good proposal’ presents itself then ‘it’s a possibility’ he could go.
Ederson leaving City would surely be the catalyst for Ortega to sign a new contract.
If he remains, which feels likely, then it’s difficult to see Ortega wanting to stick around knowing he’s going to have plenty of offers to be a number one elsewhere.