Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits " I would want player to stay"
Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has voiced apprehension regarding the status of goalkeeper Stefan Ortega as the summer transfer window approaches.
At 31 years old, Ortega has delayed contract extension negotiations at the Etihad Stadium.
His current contract with Manchester City expires in 2025, initially signing a three-year deal in July 2022 after joining from Arminia Bielefeld.
Despite being acquired on a free transfer, Ortega’s future with the treble-winning team appears uncertain, with Manchester City aiming to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year.
Previously, Manchester City rebuffed offers from Bayern Munich for the goalkeeper. Ortega had also been close to joining Brentford before signing with the Sky Blues.
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Ortega, who celebrated a treble victory in his debut season in England, has amassed 31 appearances for Manchester City, including 17 this season.
He stepped up in the absence of Ederson due to injuries, notably starting in crucial matches such as the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid and the Premier League clash with Arsenal.
Despite being utilized as a substitute three times this season, Ortega is slated to start in the upcoming Emirates FA Cup Final against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.
However, this final could potentially mark Ortega’s farewell appearance for Manchester City amidst mounting transfer uncertainties, although Guardiola remains eager to retain him.
“I would love him to stay, the club loves him to stay. We will let him feel, yeah, I would love it. But I don’t know,” revealed the Manchester City boss.
“It’s him. Everyone has their own life, wives, kids, desires, and I don’t know. I think he’s fine, he’s really happy here, but I could understand perfectly for the fact that he is more than 30-years-old and, ‘I want to play every, every weekend’. So, honestly, I don’t know.”
Manchester City anticipates a series of significant departures this summer, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Kyle Walker.
Additionally, the club may need to seek a replacement goalkeeper should Ortega depart.
