Stefan Ortega &#8211; CaughtOffside

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Stefan Ortega to replace Ederson in the Man City goal

Despite being linked with moves for Gianluigi Donnarumma and Jan Oblak in recent days, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Man City will not sign a new goalkeeper if Ederson leaves and will simply promote Stefan Ortega.

The German has been with City since 2022 and has shown his quality on many occasions.

With Ederson injured for the closing part of the last campaign, the 31-year-old stepped up for Guardiola and made arguably the biggest save of the season against Tottenham in City’s penultimate Premier League game as Son Heung-min went through on goal.

Ortega is more than capable of taking over from Ederson but Guardiola will ideally not want to lose the Brazilian goalkeeper ahead of the new season.

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Exclusive: New deal at Man City could see major star leave with decision in player’s hands

Darren Looney — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 08:56:47 +0000

Man City confirmed on Saturday that Stefan Ortega has signed a new two-year deal with the Premier League champions until 2026, which could prompt the exit of Ederson.

The Brazilian’s future is up in the air heading into the summer transfer window having spent the last seven years at the Manchester club. The 30-year-old has won everything with the Premier League champions and is the subject of interest for clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Fabrizio Romano reported two weeks ago that Man City are open to letting Ederson leave having tied Ortega down to a new contract and the transfer journalist has now stated that the Brazil international’s agent has been exploring their options for weeks.

The goalkeeper’s future is in his own hands as if he decides to leave, City will not stand in his way once they receive a good proposal for their number-one shot-stopper.

Pep Guardiola is happy to have Ortega as his starter for next season, but the Manchester club could enter the transfer market ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Will Ederson leave Man City?

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Fabrizio Romano provides update on Ederson and Man City’s goalkeeper situation

“Stefan Ortega has signed a new two-year deal with Man City until 2026 as the Premier League champions like the player and he trusts the project going forward. This move is also linked to the future of Ederson as I told you two weeks ago that City are open to the potential exit of the Brazilian goalkeeper,” Romano has said in his latest exclusive column for CaughtOffside’s The Daily Briefing.

“The player’s agent has been exploring options for weeks, so we have to wait and see.

“Man City have left it in the player’s hands, but if the Premier League champions receive a good proposal, they will not stand in the goalkeeper’s way.”

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Premier League hero “delighted” after signing new Man City contract until 2026

Darren Looney — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 09:39:46 +0000

Man City have confirmed that Stefan Ortega has signed a new two-year deal with the Manchester club which keeps him at the Etihad until 2026.

The goalkeeper has been with the Premier League champions since 2022 having made the switch from Arminia Bielefeld as a free agent. The addition of the 31-year-old to Pep Guardiola’s squad has proven to be a big success providing quality cover for Ederson over the last two seasons.

Ortega’s importance was highlighted once again this season as he was the hero in one of the most important moments in Man City winning the Premier League four times in a row.

With Guardiola’s team unable to drop any points, the goalkeeper denied Son Heung-Min in a one-on-one opportunity in City’s penultimate Premier League game away at Tottenham and was lauded for his save after the clash.

Upon the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign, Man City offered the German star a new contract and it has been confirmed by the club that Ortega has accepted the deal and will remain at the Etihad until 2026.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 31-year-old had other options on the table but chose to continue his journey at Man City.

Stefan Ortega to stay at Man City

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Stefan Ortega “delighted” with new Man City contract

Speaking after penning his new deal at Man City, Ortega has admitted that he is “delighted” to be continuing at the Premier League champions and has stated that he is already 100 per cent focused on the new season.

“I am delighted to be staying at Manchester City for longer,” Ortega told Man City’s club media.

“This is a football club that provides players with everything we need to be our best. Every single day I feel motivated and challenged, and I have improved as a goalkeeper since coming here two years ago.

“My family are really settled here in England… I love everything about it here.

“Signing this deal means I can now focus 100% on next season and beyond.”

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Chelsea eye move for Premier League goalkeeper in search of regular game time

Charlie Patrick — Fri, 31 May 2024 18:21:17 +0000

Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is a summer transfer target for Chelsea according to reports.

The Blues have agreed a deal with Leicester City to appoint Enzo Maresca as their next manager, with the Italian set to sign a five year deal at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are once again set to be busy in the upcoming window with the club believed to be looking at making four signings, a goalkeeper, centre back, left back and striker.

Chelsea target Ortega

Chelsea signed two goalkeepers last summer in Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic, whilst they still have Kepa Arrizabalaga on their books.

The imminent arrival of Maresca has seen the Blues linked with a host of goalkeepers including Burnley’s James Trafford, Giorgi Mamardashvili of Valencia and Villareal’s Filip Jorgensen.

However, journalist Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT the Stamford Bridge outfit have Ortega on their radar.

Chelsea could target a summer move for Ortega.

Jones said: “New contract talks do not surprise me at all, especially at a time when there is speculation over Ederson leaving.

“Ortega thinks he is good enough to be their number one and is willing to back himself in that sense.

“I think a few clubs will have an eye on his situation right now to see how conversations go around a new contract.

“There are even a few whispers he could be on Chelsea’s list as they consider targets who already have some Premier League experience.”

The 31-year-old made 20 appearances for Manchester City last season as Pep Guardiola’s side made history by becoming the first team to win four Premier League titles in a row.

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The German made a possible title winning save from Heung-Min Son in City’s 2-0 win over Tottenham in their penultimate game of the season.

Ortega is out of contract at the Etihad in 2025, and it’s reported City would be prepared to increase his wages from £70,000 to £90,000 per week, but he could turn a new deal down for more regular game time elsewhere.

The shot stopper joined City on a free transfer from German outfit Arminia Bielefeld in 2022, and has appeared 34 times for the English champions to date.

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Transfer news: Next Chelsea manager, Pochettino Man Utd, Man City star’s replacement, and more

Fabrizio Romano — Wed, 22 May 2024 16:05:00 +0000

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive transfer news via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

Chelsea players saddened by Pochettino exit, but it’s not a big surprise

Big news yesterday evening as it was confirmed that Mauricio Pochettino is leaving Chelsea with immediate effect. The story might have come as a bit of a surprise to some, but I must admit I’m not that surprised because the reality is that the situation has been tense for the entire season, with some positive moments and some negative moments. Despite a strong run of form from Chelsea towards the end of the season, the feeling at the club was that not everyone was on the same page and that is why they have decided to part ways with the manager.

There were very honest meetings, with many topics discussed about the past, present and future, and then Chelsea’s owners and Pochettino decided to part ways. I mentioned earlier this week that the situation was still open because of so many different people involved in the decision. It was a complicated decision and the end of the season was very positive for Chelsea, but Pochettino also spoke recently and suggested he wasn’t feeling that confidence from people at the club.

From what I’m hearing, the reaction inside the dressing room is that the players are quite surprised. The feeling was that the end of the season was sending a clear message, and that you could see the results of the entire season together between Pochettino and these players, so many of them were expecting the manager to stay. Many players are sad, some are surprised, but it’s also part of the game when a manager is not staying at the club…I can understand that.

Still, it’s not just about the relationship with the players, there also had to be the right feeling between the manager and other figures at the club.

Who could come in next for Chelsea? Plus thoughts on Pochettino’s next destination amid Man Utd links

As I already reported, in case Chelsea wanted to replace Pochettino, and this is now the case, they would like to go for a young manager. Managers like Thomas Tuchel and Hansi Flick are all attracted by the possibility of going to Chelsea, even without Champions League football, but at the moment I’m not aware of concrete talks with these managers because the information I’m getting is that they want a young coach.

Some candidates are being discussed internally, and there is big appreciation for Sebastian Hoeness, who is really highly rated after the job he’s done at Stuttgart. Still, Hoeness has already said no to the Bayern job and said that he wants to continue at Stuttgart.

There are other candidates, though, such as Kieran McKenna at Ipswich Town. He’s done an excellent job, so he’s one of the names, not the only one as there’s not a clear favourite yet. Thomas Frank has also been discussed internally, but it’s an open discussion and Chelsea will take their time.

I’m not aware yet of fresh contacts with Roberto de Zerbi or Ruben Amorim. We’ve had many rumours about these managers, but let’s see if they will decide to contact them or not. What I can guarantee is that Chelsea’s priority would be to go for a talented young manager to create a kind of Xabi Alonso project – someone who can lead the game with possession football and to understand the vision of the club around talented young players.

Chelsea’s plan now is to have internal conversations and also to focus on the summer transfer window because they want their manager to be involved. They want a manager who can trust the entire project and to help develop young players and build the project for the present and future. The idea for this summer is also to explore the goalkeepers market, and they want a new striker, while they also want one centre-back or maybe two. They also need to clarify the future of players like Trevoh Chalobah and Conor Gallagher, so it will be crucial to clarify with the new manager what they want to do.

As for Pochettino, he is open for a new chapter and he feels absolutely ready for any opportunity. Despite reports of Pochettino being appreciated by some key figures at INEOS, there is nothing to say on Manchester United now for Pochettino, but in general the Erik ten Hag situation remains absolutely open and he’s not sure of staying at the club, I can confirm that.

Pep Guardiola’s exit hint and potential Ederson sale

Ederson to seal transfer away from Man City?

Pep Guardiola after winning the Premier League with Manchester City admitted that he’s closer to leaving than to staying when his current contract expires in 2025. Guardiola will 100% stay until 2025 – he wants to stay there and win the Champions League again, so he will also be in the conversations about the summer transfer window at City.

For sure, Guardiola will be at City for one more season, but after that the future is absolutely open. The reality is that he is not discussing a new contract with City at the moment – the situation is really quiet, they are very happy together, and Guardiola’s full focus is on next season, but not beyond. Probably in 2025 they will discuss the future together, but as things stand there is a concrete chance to see Pep leaving the Etihad Stadium at the end of next season.

Another story to watch with City could be the future of Ederson. There is, from what I’m hearing, a concrete chance for the Brazilian goalkeeper to leave City in the summer transfer window. There is interest from Saudi and other clubs, so we could see some movement in the goalkeeper market this summer. We’ll have to see what happens with the likes of Jan Oblak, Aaron Ramsdale and Bento, and it looks like Ederson could also be part of this domino. Man City will leave it to the player, they are aware of Saudi interest and won’t stand in his way.

Man City are considering moving for another goalkeeper in the summer, and also they have Stefan Ortega at the club and he’s been fantastic, always very special whenever he plays, like that save against Son Heung-min that made such a big difference in the title race. In terms of a replacement, I personally think the best fit for them could be Ortega, who is already at the club. He’s shown he’s a fantastic goalkeeper and in my opinion he’s ready to be their first choice.

Xavi yet to have proper meeting over Barcelona future

I’ve had many questions on the future of Xavi as Barcelona manager, but his meeting with Barca president Joan Laporta last night was not a proper meeting, they only spoke for 2-3 minutes as they usually do after a game. A proper and crucial meeting between Xavi and Laporta will take place in the next few days, and then we will better understand the manager’s future.

Xavi has not yet received any communication from the club board about his situation, he’s just read about it in the press, so there will be a crucial conversation with the president to discuss the future.

Ange Postecoglou staying at Tottenham to oversee major summer overhaul

Ange Postecoglou is not walking away from Tottenham – he has no problem with the club, but he wants a different mentality, more of a winning mentality. Still, it was a positive message, not a negative message.

Postecoglou is really happy at Tottenham and they are also happy with him – they believe they have someone who really cares about the club and who can bring a good style of football, so they will keep on building together.

What’s important to say about Tottenham, however, is that in the summer there will be many changes to the squad, as I’ve already reported. We could see eight or nine or maybe even ten players leaving Tottenham – I see Sergio Reguilon leaving in the summer, same for Djed Spence and Joe Rodon. Emerson Royal has interest from AC Milan, but not Bayern at the moment despite reports. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has one year left on his contract and he’s signed for a new agency, so I expect him to leave the club as well. Bryan Gil rejected loan offers in January but he’s expected to leave as he looks for a permanent move this summer. Ryan Sessegnon is also leaving as a free agent, while Tottenham still have to decide what to do with loan signing Timo Werner.

There will be a lot of movement around Tottenham – we mentioned the outgoings, but there will also be signings, maybe four or five players. The expectation is for Spurs to be really busy, with Lucas Bergvall coming to the club in the summer after a deal was agreed in January.

Toni Kroos to retire from football this summer

Another big story from yesterday was the confirmation that Toni Kroos has decided to retire from football after this summer’s Euros. The Champions League final will be his last game for Real Madrid after a great career, and then he will look to bow out of the game in the perfect way with the German national team this summer.

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Kroos had almost extended his contract in March in terms of a verbal agreement with Real Madrid to carry on for one more year, but then he made a personal decision, also with his family and people close to him, to retire and leave football now.

For me, Kroos is a legendary midfielder – an incredible player. I’m big fan of both Luka Modric and Kroos, they’ve been among best couple of midfielders in the history of the game, insane players. What they have achieved together is really special and it’s a shame they can’t continue to form that Real Madrid midfield for a while longer, but all the best to Kroos in his retirement.

Youssouf Fofana could be available for around €20m

Monaco have hinted that Youssouf Fofana could be a name to leave the club this summer, but it’s still early to know for sure where he could go and for what kind of price.

My understanding is that Monaco will communicate the asking price for Fofana in one or two weeks – I think he could be available around €20m but that’s just my opinion.

There has been interest in Fofana before – last summer, he was on Manchester United and Inter list but it’s quiet with Inter now. Let’s see what the new Man United board will decide to do, while there could also be other clubs ready to join the race.

The post Transfer news: Next Chelsea manager, Pochettino Man Utd, Man City star’s replacement, and more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Jamie Carragher names player who won Man City the Premier League title

Ahad Shaukat — Wed, 15 May 2024 05:30:45 +0000

After making a fantastic save to thwart Son Heung-min from scoring, Jamie Carragher declared that Stefan Ortega, the backup goalkeeper, basically won Manchester City the Premier League title.

Man City came out as winners against Tottenham in their crucial Premier League match on Tuesday night.

Pep Guardiola’s men needed to win in order to reclaim the lead at the top of the Premier League standings.

This was Man City’s last big test in the title race and they came out as winners against Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham.

However, it was not easy and there was a moment in the match that could have lost Man City the Premier League title.

After Manuel Akanji lost possession, Son was clear through on goal one on one against the Man City goalkeeper.

Ortega, who came on for the injured Ederson, saved the one on one that kept Man City in the lead.

Carragher said on the Gary Neville podcast after the match:

“[Tottenham] gave Man City more problems than I’ve probably seen anybody give them for a long time, in terms of the chances they created.

Man City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega saved a certain goal for Tottenham.

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“Ortega, tonight alone, has won them the Premier League title. Obviously a lot’s gone into that over the season but when you look at this game, if he doesn’t make those saves at 1-0, Arsenal will win the league. That’s how close it is.”

The former Liverpool defender compared Ortega’s save to Vincent Kompany’s goal against Leicester City that stopped Liverpool from winning the league.

“When I think of me a few years ago as a Liverpool fan, watching Vincent Kompany put that shot in against Leicester, that is that moment now for Arsenal fans,” said Carragher.

Man City have one hand on the title

Man City are now favourites to win the league on the final day of the season.

They host West Ham United while the Gunners host Everton on a nail biting final day.

Guardiola and his men are hoping to make history by winning their fourth Premier League title in a row.

Barring a twist on the final day of the season, Arsenal’s wait is set to continue for their first Premier League title since 2004.

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Video: The moment Tottenham star cost Arsenal the Premier League title

Darren Looney — Tue, 14 May 2024 21:23:40 +0000

Tottenham were defeated 2-0 by Man City on Tuesday night but they could have earned a draw had Son Heung-min converted a massive chance for the North London side.

With Pep Guardiola’s men 1-0 ahead, the South Korean star pounced on a Manuel Akanji mistake with 86 minutes on the clock to go through one-on-one with Stefan Ortega in the Man City goal.

However, Son missed the chance and with that went Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League as Erling Haaland would convert a penalty just moments later.

Fans of the Gunners would not have believed it as the Tottenham captain is a clinical finisher and normally puts those chances away.

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Watch: Tottenham’s Son Heung-min misses huge chance to win Arsenal the Premier League

What a vital save that is in the title race from Stefan Ortega! ? pic.twitter.com/XatVw2GetK

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 14, 2024

HEUNG-MIN SON MISSES HUGE CHANCE.

Nearly a MASSIVE moment for Arsenal but Stefan Ortega comes up with a clutch save. Pep Guardiola could barely watch. ? pic.twitter.com/VGVPew3KwJ

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 14, 2024

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Lazio ace coveted by Man United in contact with Man City

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 04 May 2024 10:18:36 +0000

This summer is set to be a crucial one for Man United in particular, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new board can finally get to work in a transfer window.

Given that the INEOS-led partial takeover came just too late for Sir Jim to have any real input in the January window, this summer is the first chance for the new regime to show the Old Trafford faithful what they’re about.

Although Financial Fair Play will always ensure that United do studious rather than reckless business, Sir Jim et al can bring everyone onside with a positive showing in the transfer market.

Man City to gazump Man United for Mandas?

One area where it seems the club are not one hundred percent happy is with their goalkeepers.

Andre Onana remains a work in progress. Despite his evident excellence between the sticks, he still makes the odd ricket and ideally needs someone at a good level to be pushing him every single week.

That custodian isn’t Altay Bayindir according to TeamTalk, who note that the keeper will soon leave Old Trafford.

Man United are looking to challenge their goalkeeper Andre Onana

Corriere dello Sport (h/t TeamTalk) suggest that one of their preferred replacements, Lazio’s highly-rated Christos Mandas, might actually be on the way to rivals, Man City.

The outlet note that representatives of the keeper are in contact with executives at the Etihad Stadium outfit, who would need a replacement for Stefan Ortega if he decides to move on to pastures new.

At just 22, Mandas has a long time left in the game, and his current club are believed to want to try and keep hold of him if possible.

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Jul 23 2024, 14:26

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Jul 23 2024, 14:02

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Jul 23 2024, 14:00

It’s easy to understand why both Premier League giants would want Mandas as part of their first-team staff too.

Not only would he put pressure on either Onana or Ederson, but he would potentially be a decent option for either side should their No.1’s succumb to injury or serious loss of form.

Neither Ortega or Bayindir have managed to do that on a regular enough basis for City or United, meaning that, where possible, both clubs have generally stuck rigidly to their first-choice keepers.

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Stefan Ortega wants his future resolved this summer

Charlie Patrick — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 13:04:21 +0000

Stefan Ortega has reached an impasse with Manchester City over a new contract plunging his future into doubt.

Ortega has filled the void left by Ederson who suffered a thigh injury against Liverpool at Anfield and has put in a string of impressive performances including in Wednesday night’s win against Aston Villa.

The German has registered five clean sheets in all competitions this season with two coming in the Premier League and the other three in the FA Cup.

The 31-year-old joined City from German side Arminia Bielefeld in 2022 and has made 13 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

Ortega’s City future in doubt?

The German’s contract expires in 2025 and City will have to take a decision on the goalkeeper’s future or risk losing him on a free transfer.

Mail Sport reports that contract talks have ground to a halt with discussions having been ongoing for over six months.

Ortega’s Manchester City future is reportedly in doubt.

They state that there are understood to be differences over the financial side of the deal and the length of any proposed contract.

It’s believed the German wants the opportunity to be a number one at the highest possible level with that chance highly unlikely to come at The Etihad.

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