Where to next for the odd man out in the goalkeeping equation at Manchester City?

With Manchester City expected to confirm the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley early next week, there will be a surplus of quality keepers on City’s books. James Trafford will join Ederson and Stefan Ortega in the City squad. There is little to no chance of City entering next season with three quality goalkeepers on their books. David Ornstein has reported for The Athletic that Stefan Ortega is expected to leave the club this summer.

On that front, a new report indicates that a host of clubs are interested in signing Stefan Ortega. The German keeper will likely have a choice to make as to where he will play next season.

Five clubs have an interest in signing Stefan Ortega from Manchester City.

Ekrem Konur has reported that Fenerbahce, Leeds United, Sunderland, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest all have an interest in signing Stefan Ortega. Furthermore, Konur reports that Fenerbahce have recently checked on the situation surrounding Ortega.

Stefan Ortega deserves the opportunity to be the number one keeper elsewhere.

Looking at the goalkeeping situation at Manchester City, Stefan Ortega does seem to be the odd man out. Ederson is expected to remain at City for the 25/26 season. It is expected that James Trafford will battle it out with Ederson for the number-one keeper position. That leaves Stefan Ortega. Given that Manchester City need to trim the size of its squad, it is highly unlikely that Ortega will stay at the club. The only way he will is if Ederson leaves. That doesn’t appear to be an option. But looking at where Stefan Ortega could go next he deserves an opportunity to be the number-one keeper elsewhere.

Stefan Ortega has never let City down when called upon. When Ederson has been injured or when allowed to start in goal Ortega has always done what was required. He did his work in goal with minimal fuss. Ortega has also never caused any issues off the pitch when he hasn’t been selected. He’s been a model professional since arriving at the Etihad. He has also established himself in City folklore. His save from Son Heung-Min against Tottenham Hotspur was crucial to Manchester City’s 23/24 Premier League title triumph. He also started in goal during Manchester City’s famous FA Cup final triumph over Manchester United during the 22/23 season.

For his contribution to Manchester City Stefan Ortega deserves an opportunity to be the number-one keeper elsewhere. He’s more than earned that opportunity. The German goalkeeper also has the quality to be exactly that away from Manchester City. With James Trafford seemingly on his way to City it would seem that Stefan Ortega is the odd man out. Now it remains to be seen where he will end up for the 25/26 season.