Manchester City number two Stefan Ortega could depart the Etihad Stadium this summer as talks of a contract extension hit a stumbling block.
According to Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg, City and Ortega are struggling to find common grounds on a salary package, while the goalkeeper is also ready to step up to a more prominent role.
Ortega joined the treble winners on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, replacing Zack Steffen as City’s designated number two and has performed exceptionally well in that role since.
The 31-year-old stopper has made a big impression on the coaches at the Etihad since joining, despite being largely limited to domestic cup appearances.
Ortega has only featured twice in the Champions League and has an identical number of appearances in the Premier League, racking up just 352 minutes of football across both competitions.
He was named in goal in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal at the start of the season and has featured three times in the FA Cup, keeping two clean sheets.
Despite playing second fiddle to Ederson since he arrived, Ortega remains highly respected by Pep Guardiola, who remains loyal to the German stopper during cup competitions.
However, Ortega’s future at City hangs in the balance as the three-year deal he signed when he joined the Premier League champions expires at the end of next season.
Guardiola is a strong advocate for keeping him, but an extension hasn’t been reached, prompting City to schedule further negotiations with the player’s representatives.
The German’s contract situation has alerted potential suitors, with Belgian top-flight side RSC Anderlecht reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation, ready to pounce if City and Ortega fail to agree on a new deal.
Ortega has enjoyed a hugely successful spell at the Etihad, winning five major trophies, including last season’s treble and was instrumental in their FA Cup success.
There is also uncertainty surrounding the future of record-signing Jack Grealish, who has struggled to assert himself in Guardiola’s first-team troops this season.
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