Could Lazio keeper Christos Mandas be Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega replacement if the German keeper departs the world champions this summer? Any move by Manchester City for another keeper is entirely dependent on what happens with Stefan Ortega this summer.
Jack Gaughan has previously reported for the Daily Mail that Ortega wants a summer resolution on his future. Furthermore, Gaughan reports that Manchester City and Ortega have reached an impasse over talks over a new contract. It is also reported by Gaughan that financial terms and the length of the contract are two factors that saw contract talks reach an impasse. Gaughan further reports that Ortega also wants an opportunity to be the number one keeper at this stage of his career. With Ederson current City’s number one keeper, it does mean that there are doubts over Ortega’s future at Manchester City.
Is Lazio keeper Christos Mandas Manchester City’s potential Ortega replacement?
With doubts over Stefan Ortega’s future at the club, a recent report indicates that Manchester City may have identified a target for the backup keeper role. Corriere dello Sport reports that City may move for Lazio keeper Christos Mandas. Furthermore, Corriere dello Sport adds that the impressive performances of Mandas over the past two months have caught the eye of several clubs. They further report that Manchester City are one of the clubs monitoring the Lazio keeper.
Any Manchester City move for a new keeper is dependent on Stefan Ortega’s future.
While Manchester City has reportedly identified a possible replacement for Stefan Ortega, any move for a new keeper depends entirely on Ortega’s future plans. If the German keeper stays at the world champions, then City will move on to other priorities in the summer transfer market.
However, if Ortega does depart Manchester City, then City’s hand will be forced in the transfer market. With Christos Mandas having caught the eye and with his age and scope for improvement, he may become a candidate for the backup keeper role in Pep Guardiola’s squad. It is a situation that is entirely dependent on what happens with Stefan Ortega this summer.
The equation looks fairly straightforward. If Ortega moves, City will move for a backup keeper. If he doesn’t, Manchester City likely won’t sign another goalkeeper.