The goalkeeper role was a concern for Pep Guardiola heading into the summer transfer window.
Since joining Man City from Benfica in 2017, Ederson has created a legendary career for himself at the Etihad Stadium; however, the Brazilian goalkeeper has shown signs of decline, is out of contract in 2026, and wanted to leave the Manchester club last summer.
The FIFA Club World Cup highlighted Ederson’s weaknesses once more, and with clubs showing interest in the 31-year-old, Man City have decided to sign James Trafford from Burnley.
The arrival of the Englishman means that one of Ederson or Stefan Ortega will have to leave Man City ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, and it seems the Premier League giants will stick with their current number one for another year.
Man City let Ederson and Stefan Ortega decide who leaves
Galatasaray showed interest in Ederson in recent weeks, but similar to Saudi clubs last summer, the Turkish giants don’t seem willing to match Man City’s asking price.
As for Ortega, Premier League clubs are pushing for the Man City goalkeeper before the transfer window shuts, and at present, the German is the most likely shot-stopper to leave.
According to Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Man City essentially let the players decide who leaves this summer, with a number of factors dictating which one would depart.
“But I think the problem with City this summer with Ederson and Ortega is sort of like who goes. Who goes was kind of dependent on who got a move or who wanted a move, and who pushed for a move,” the journalist said on Talking City – Manchester City Podcast.
“And that was difficult because you’re kind of giving responsibility to the players and saying, ‘Well, we’ll react to you’. Whereas I think Ortega was brilliant for a time and pushed Ederson for a time.”
It seems the interest in Ortega and the German star’s willingness to leave resulted in Ederson staying at Man City.
The Brazilian is expected to start the campaign as Guardiola’s number one, and it will be interesting to see if that changes throughout the season, and if Trafford can take over as City’s number one.
West Ham would be a great move for Stefan Ortega
It remains unknown what three Premier League clubs are monitoring Ortega’s situation, but given that most of the goalkeeper roles at English top-flight clubs are filled, West Ham are likely one of the trio.
The Hammers let Lucasz Fabianski leave at the end of last season, which has left Alphonse Areola as the first choice at the London Stadium, with Ortega being an upgrade on the French star.
A move to West Ham would be perfect for the German as he would be a starter and get to play for a strong Premier League club, rather than join a team that could be fighting relegation this season.
It remains to be seen who moves for the Man City shot-stopper over the coming weeks, but whoever does will likely get a bargain deal as Ortega is a top goalkeeper on his day.
