Even in the midst of a season, Manchester City will be keeping a close eye on their potential outgoings ahead of the summer of 2025.
Pep Guardiola’s side will only be able to stay ahead of the curve if they carve out their transfer plans ahead of next season by finalising which players are set to leave and stay put at the club.
Otherwise, Manchester City could be in deep trouble as their competitors such as Arsenal and Liverpool will certainly be keeping close attention on their incomings and outgoings.
At the elite level of the game, the fine margins dictate which clubs win the major prizes.
Manchester City would not wish to be left behind due to a lack of preparation.
Man City player named who could look for summer exit in 2025
In case a player is considering an exit from the Etihad Stadium, City have two options at their disposal.
If the English giants wish to keep the player in question, they must provide them with assurances over why it is in their best interest to prolong their stay at the club.
But if the player has already decided that an exit would be the best step in their career and the club are on board with them, their objective must be to ensure they remain motivated to succeed this season.
Stefan Ortega is a player whose future at City seemed to have been finalised this summer as he signed a contract extension until 2026.
The 31-year-old has continued to deputise for Ederson Moraes this campaign, making two starts against Watford in the Carabao Cup as well as against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.
However, Sport Bild has revealed that if Ortega is not assured that he will become City’s number one next season, he will look for a way out of the club.
It has been reinforced that when Ederson seemed set for a move to Al-Nassr, Pep Guardiola informed the German that he will become his number one; with the English giants exploring a move for Werder Bremen’s Michael Zetterer as his backup if the Brazilian had left.
The two-time Premier League winner feels that with Manuel Neuer’s retirement and Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffering a knee injury, he has the chance to become Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper.
A top club could even try to sign Ortega in January.
The report states that despite him signing a contract, the former Arminia Bielefeld number one will be allowed to leave if a satisfactory offer presents itself.
Ilkay Gundogan praised Ortega by describing him as “the most underrated goalkeeper in the world” last season.
Stefan Ortega should try to oust Ederson this season
For Ortega to fully persuade Julian Nagelsmann to entrust him to become Germany’s number one, it would be ideal for him if he starts playing regular football at Manchester City.
As a result, the seasoned campaigner should try to oust Ederson this season.
Such a task would be easier said than done.
But ultimately, Pep Guardiola would be happy to reward meritocracy and Ortega could try and change the Catalan’s mind with excellent performances in training and whenever he starts.
If the highly-rated goalkeeper can become City’s number one, he would remain at one of the biggest clubs in the world and also catch Nagelsmann’s eye.
