Stefan Ortega is undoubtedly a very popular figure at Manchester City.
The club signed the German goalkeeper from Arminia Bielefeld in the summer of 2022, following their relegation.
The move raised eyebrows as no one really knew anything about Ortega, who came on a free.
But fast forward a couple of years, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a Manchester City fan who doesn’t hold Ortega in high regard.
The star has served as wonderful number two to Ederson, making 38 appearances for the club across all competitions.
Ortega may have largely played second fiddle to the Brazilian, but his contributions during his time at the club have been plentiful.
He was outstanding in City’s run to FA Cup glory in the Treble-winning season, and Ortega’s stock absolutely soared after last season’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, which essentially saw him make a league-winning one-on-one save from Heung-min Son.
Tonight, some interesting reports are emerging about Ortega.
Stefan Ortega set to make Germany squad for the first time
As fans know, the next international break will commence after this weekend’s round of fixtures.
City will have a number of players joining up with their national teams – and it is looking like Ortega will be joining up with the Germany squad for the first time ever.
Sports Bild are reporting head coach Julian Nagelsmann is set to turn to City’s number two, with Janis Blaswich to miss out.
Germany have games coming up against Bosnia and Hungary in the Nations League.
Man City fans buzzing over Ortega reports
For many City fans, this is long overdue for Ortega.
The 32-year-old has rarely ever let Pep Guardiola down when he has called on him to replace Ederson.
There was a bit of talk about him potentially leaving in the summer to perhaps go and be a number one elsewhere.
But Ortega revealed Scott Carson helped convince him to stay at City, and most fans were delighted he did not leave.
For many, him making the Germany squad is no less than he deserves.
Ortega deserves Germany call-up
It is amazing to think that Ortega has never been called up to the Germany squad before, consideirng how good and consistent he is for City.
But one would imagine it has simply been a case of Ortega never really being that visible before, playing for Arminia, and before them 1860 Munich.
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With City, he has been able to showcase his talents on a bigger stage – and being called into the Germany squad is truly no less than he deserves.
Earlier this year, Guardiola said of Ortega (via Daily Mail): “One on one he’s one of the best goalkeepers I’ve seen in my life. He’s so reliable. An incredible decision by our goalkeeping coach (Xabi Mancisidor) to bring him.”
Hopefully, Nagelsmann will actually hand him some minutes in the games against Bosnia and Hungary, to cap off his brilliant rise over the last two years.
