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Manchester City goalkeeper rejects ‘huge offer’ from Saudi Arabia – player could live out ‘final’ months at Etihad Stadium

Before moving to Manchester City during the 2022 summer transfer window, Stefan Ortega turned down a “huge offer” from Saudi Arabia, according to reports.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper has earned himself several reviews this season after a string of faultless performances for Manchester City when called upon by manager Pep Guardiola.



While Ortega is Manchester City’s default option between the sticks for domestic cup matches, the current campaign has also seen Guardiola select the German goalkeeper for several high-profile matches in light of injuries to first-choice Ederson.

These contests included the second half of the Premier League meeting with Liverpool at Anfield, as well as the UEFA Champions League quarter-final match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, with Ortega’s contract set to expire at the end of next season, concerns over his long-term future with the Premier League champions continue to grow and a new report has provided some much-needed insight into the current position of the player.

According to The Times’ Paul Hirst, Stefan Ortega rejected a “huge” offer from Saudi Arabia in 2020 and, despite now turning 30, believes he still has “six more years as a professional”.

While his immediate future at Manchester City remains somewhat in doubt due to an expiring contract, the report states that Ortega, his daughter and his wife – who are expecting another child – are “enjoying” living in Manchester.

Back on the training ground, Ortega is said to be “getting on well” with City goalkeeping coaches Xabier Mancisidor and Richard Wright, as well as Scott Carson and Ederson, who the Times reveals was the first player to message him after signing for the club.

Unfortunately for Manchester City and their hopes of keeping their shot, the report claims that Ortega “has intentions of making his way” into the Germany squad, presumably by increasing his first-team opportunities.

Bayern Munich attempted to sign Stefan Ortega Moreno in the last summer transfer window as cover for Manuel Neuer, but the Times reiterate that City boss Pep Guardiola has “blocked” the move.

It currently remains somewhat unknown who Manchester City could turn to in the transfer market this summer, should a club present a viable option for Stefan Ortega to take up in what could be his final move in a career at a higher level.

There have been faint claims in the Italian media that the Premier League champions could be looking at Lazio’s Christos Mandas, with the player’s agent confirming interest from “overseas” during a recent interview.

Scott Carson is highly unlikely to be promoted to the back-up goalkeeper position in Pep Guardiola’s side, despite the veteran being highly regarded by everyone in the first team for his role in the team.

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