Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega could reportedly consider making a move to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
The 31-year-old joined the Citizens on a free transfer from Arminia Bielefeld in July 2022 and has since made 38 appearances across all competitions, winning seven trophies including two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one Champions League.
Ortega has, however, had to play second fiddle behind first-choice shot-stopper Ederson and the majority of his appearances for Man City have taken place in cup competitions.
The uncapped German goalkeeper was tipped to leave the Etihad Stadium in the summer in search of regular first-team football, but he was persuaded to sign a new two-year contract until 2026.
Ortega's decision to stay at City was during a time when Ederson was strongly linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia and there were suggestions that the Brazilian's departure would pave the way for Ortega to become Pep Guardiola's new first-choice goalkeeper.
However, a move to the Middle East failed to materialise for Ederson, who has since started 12 of Man City's 16 competitive games in all competitions this season, while Ortega has featured just four times between the sticks.
![Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega (18) during the FC Series match between Manchester City and Celtic at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, July 23, 2024 [on July 25, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/30/stefan-ortega.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega (18) during the FC Series match between Manchester City and Celtic at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, July 23, 2024 [on July 25, 2024]")
© Imago
Could Ortega leave Man City to join Leverkusen?
With Ortega remaining as Man City's number two, speculation has surfaced linking the German with an exit in 2025, with last season's Bundesliga Invincibles Bayer Leverkusen allegedly interested in his services.
According to reports in Germany, via Football Insider, Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso is on the lookout for a long-term replacement for 34-year-old Lukas Hradecky.
Matej Kovar is another goalkeeping option at Alonso's disposal, but the potential departure of Hradecky would require Leverkusen to enter the transfer market for a replacement.
The report adds that Man City's Ortega and FC Koln's 21-year-old star Jonas Urbi are on Leverkusen's radar ahead of the New Year.
It is claimed that a return to his native Germany to become a first-choice goalkeeper for Leverkusen is a 'very tempting' prospect for Ortega.
However, it remains unknown as to whether Man City would be willing to part ways with Ortega having only just tied him down to a new contract, while Ortega himself may even consider staying with the Citizens if Saudi Pro League clubs reignite their interest in Ederson next year.
Oliver Thomas
