Pep Guardiola considered new name for first-choice goalkeeper at Manchester City this season

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Published on 2024-03-14 19:58:28

Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly considered naming a new first-choice goalkeeper at the Etihad Stadium this season. The team currently boasts strong options in Ederson and Stefan Ortega, making it one of their best goalkeeping collections since Guardiola’s arrival in England. Ederson holds the number one spot, but a recent injury he sustained against Liverpool has opened up an opportunity for Ortega to start upcoming matches.

With Ederson sidelined for up to four weeks, Ortega is expected to start for City in their upcoming FA Cup quarter-finals against Newcastle United and Premier League match against Arsenal. Despite being the backup goalkeeper, Ortega is highly regarded by Guardiola, who reportedly considered him as the first-choice goalkeeper at the start of the season.

However, Ortega’s performances have exceeded the club’s wage structure, leading to negotiations about increasing his wages while staying within certain limits for a backup goalkeeper’s salary. Ortega’s camp believes he deserves more, especially as bonuses are harder to earn without regular playing time.

The January transfer window saw interest in Ortega from within the Premier League and Europe, and also saw Zack Steffen, City’s former backup choice, leaving the club following a poor performance in the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool. Steffen had a loan spell with Middlesbrough before returning to Major League Soccer with Colorado Rapids.

Overall, Ortega’s emergence as a strong backup goalkeeper has raised questions about City’s goalkeeping situation and wage structure, showing the challenges of balancing talent and financial considerations in football. Guardiola’s faith in Ortega’s abilities suggests a potential shift in the goalkeeping hierarchy at Manchester City.

Read Original article on City Xtra