Man City star’s future decided as Man United agree transfer deal | OneFootball

Ortega’s Future at Man City Takes Fresh Twist Amid Transfer Market Shifts

Onana’s Move Reshapes Goalkeeper Market

Stefan Ortega’s situation at Manchester City has been altered significantly following Andre Onana’s imminent switch from Manchester United to Trabzonspor. The Turkish Super Lig club had been monitoring Ortega as a potential option, but their attention turned firmly towards Onana, closing off one of the most likely routes out of the Etihad for the German goalkeeper.

Ortega had been widely tipped to depart during the summer after City paid £27 million to secure James Trafford from Burnley. Trafford’s arrival, following City’s decision to match Newcastle’s bid for the 22-year-old, was initially seen as the trigger for Ortega’s exit. The plan was clear: Trafford would compete with Ederson for the number one shirt, leaving Ortega surplus to requirements.

Goalkeeper Shuffle Creates Uncertainty

The dynamic shifted again when Ederson completed a move to Fenerbahce, prompting City to bring in Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain for £26 million. The Italian international immediately entered the battle with Trafford to establish himself as Pep Guardiola’s first-choice keeper.

For Ortega, that scenario was complicated further by an injury to Marcus Bettinelli. With City lacking depth in the department, Ortega found himself back in matchday squads at Wolves, Tottenham and Brighton, albeit with limited involvement.

The 32-year-old was approached by several clubs over the summer but opted against a move before the English transfer window shut. With Turkey and Saudi Arabia still open for business, there remained a possibility of departure, but Onana’s transfer effectively ruled out that pathway.

Playing Time in Doubt Despite Inclusion

Despite being registered in City’s Champions League squad alongside Bettinelli, Ortega’s opportunities for meaningful game time look minimal. Donnarumma and Trafford are firmly ahead in Guardiola’s thinking, while Ortega’s current contract runs only until next summer.

He has featured 56 times for City across three seasons, with one of his standout moments coming during the 2023/24 title run-in when he produced a vital late save against Tottenham. Yet with Guardiola favouring a younger long-term plan in goal, Ortega’s role appears increasingly limited.

Burnley, who had shown interest during the Trafford negotiations, instead signed Martin Dubravka, leaving Ortega with fewer options. His decision to stay put at the Etihad now looks set to harm his hopes of forcing his way into Germany’s World Cup squad next summer.

January Window Could Provide Clarity

Unless injuries or unexpected squad reshuffles create new openings, Ortega is expected to remain at City until January. At that point, with his contract nearing expiry, there may be renewed movement around his future. For now, though, he finds himself locked in as third choice — a valuable squad player but far from the starting role he might have envisioned.