Manchester City goalkeeper emerges as Celtic transfer target in urgent title push | OneFootball

Celtic are weighing up a January loan move for Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega Moreno in a bid to strengthen key areas ahead of their title run-in, as per reports.

The Hoops’ season has reached a defining phase as the club sits second in the Scottish Premiership table and six points behind leaders Hearts, meaning the margin for error has all but vanished as the campaign edges toward its final stretch.

With Rangers also positioning themselves to strike, the battle for domestic supremacy is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years – and one that will demand decisive action off the pitch as well as on it.

The sense around Parkhead is that marginal gains could yet prove decisive with a record-setting 56th league title within reach – but only if Celtic can steady areas of inconsistency that have undermined momentum during the first half of the season.

That urgency has also been amplified by recent upheaval in the dugout, and following the swift dismissal of Wilfried Nancy after just 33 days in charge, Martin O’Neill has returned on an interim basis until the end of the season.

Across England, Manchester City continue to manage one of the deepest squads in European football and while Pep Guardiola’s side remain focused on domestic and continental priorities, there is also a recognition that opportunities exist to give fringe players valuable minutes.

One such player is Stefan Ortega, who has found himself firmly in the background at the Etihad Stadium despite his pedigree. Ortega’s contract runs until the end of the 2025/26 season, and while he remains a trusted deputy, first-team opportunities have been limited.

Now, as reported by TEAMtalk, Celtic are seriously considering a loan move for Ortega, viewing him as a solution that aligns neatly with both short-term necessity and strategic caution.

With Kasper Schmeichel’s future beyond the summer still unclear, the Germany international represents a stabilising presence who could immediately raise the level of competition between the posts.

A January loan rather than permanent commitment carries obvious appeal, allowing Celtic to assess Ortega’s fit within Scottish football, his response to the demands of a title chase, and his suitability for a longer stay.

From a tactical perspective, Stefan Ortega’s composure, distribution, and experience at the elite level would align with Martin O’Neill’s preference for control, particularly in tight domestic fixtures where margins are slim.