Heading into the transfer window there continues to be doubts over Ederson and Stefan Ortega’s futures at Manchester City. Recent reports indicate that the champions are monitoring potential replacement keepers from across Europe in case the pair do depart the club this summer.
AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan could be Manchester City’s Ederson replacement.
A new report from journalist Alan Nixon indicates that Manchester City have identified AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan as a potential replacement for Ederson. Nixon revealed via his exclusive Patreon channel that the champions have their eye on the French international. Furthermore, Nixon reports that Manchester City are covering their bases in case Ederson departs the club this summer.
Mike Maignan has risen to prominence as AC Milan’s number-one keeper in recent seasons. Maignan is an experienced keeper who could potentially bring a wealth of experience to the Etihad. If Ederson were to depart this summer it would leave a sizable void in Pep Guardiola’s squad. The AC Milan keeper has proven himself in Serie A and with Lille during his career. It would appear that any Manchester City move for a keeper of Maignan’s calibre is entirely dependent on what happens with Ederson this summer.
Could Manchester City raid the Bundesliga for another hidden gem in goal?
Transfer expert Christian Falk has reported via his exclusive Daily Briefing column that Manchester City are interested in Werder Bremen keeper Michael Zetterer. Furthermore, Falk reports that Zetterer has a release clause in his current contract that expires in June.
It would appear that Michael Zetterer would be a good option as a backup keeper for the world champions. Zetterer is a reliable keeper and has impressed for Werder Bremen, especially this season. If Stefan Ortega were to depart the champions or be promoted to City’s number-one keeper then Zetterer could become an option to land at the Etihad.
Manchester City’s goalkeeping situation is dependent on what happens with Ederson and Stefan Ortega.
What happens with Ederson and Stefan Ortega this summer will dictate whether or not Manchester City have to sign a keeper this summer. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Ederson is the subject of interest from the Saudi Pro League. If the Brazilian international did leave the champions it would force City’s hand this summer.
The situation surrounding Stefan Ortega is a different proposition entirely. Jack Gaughan has previously reported for the Daily Mail that the German keeper wants to prove himself as a number one keeper. Furthermore, Gaughan reports that this fact has seen contract negotiations between Ortega and Manchester City stall. Ortega’s contract with the champions expires at the end of next season.
The question with Ortega is if Ederson leaves does he become Manchester City’s number one keeper? He has proven himself when he has been given opportunities by Pep Guardiola. Ortega is arguably too good to continue as a backup keeper. His shot-stopping and skill in possession is that of a number one keeper. But if Ederson stays is he happy to continue as a backup keeper? That doesn’t appear to be the case based on recent reports.
Manchester City’s keeper situation is an ongoing story. It won’t become clear until there is a resolution on Ederson’s future. If Ederson stays then the spotlight will turn to what Ortega does. If Ederson departs it becomes a question of whether or not Stefan Ortega gets promoted by Pep Guardiola. The answer to City’s keeper situation doesn’t appear to have a clear-cut answer at this stage. It’s quickly becoming a must watch story ahead of the transfer window.
