Who will be Manchester City's starting goalkeeper if Ederson leaves?

The Cityzens face a massive dilemma in the goalkeeping department

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have already kicked off their pre-season tour in the United States in order to prepare for the upcoming 2024-25 footballing season.

The youngster-dominated City team suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat in the hands of Scottish giants Celtic in a goals-galore opening match of the USA pre-season tour. The Sky Blues have another three friendlies scheduled against AC Milan, FC Barcelona, and Chelsea as part of their pre-season preparations.

However, a bigger matter of concern for the Manchester City board currently is the uncertainty regarding their star goalkeeper Ederson’s future at the club. Ever since his €40 million switch from Benfica in 2017, Ederson has cemented himself as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper under Pep Guardiola, winning multiple domestic and international trophies in the process.

In the 2023-24 season, the Brazilian shot-stopper made 43 appearances across all competitions, keeping an impressive 16 clean sheets in the process. His stellar performances in goal secured Manchester City their fourth successive Premier League title.

Stefan Ortega could be counted on for next season if Ederson leaves in the summer.

Top clubs from the Saudi Pro League, such as Al-Ittihad, have made the signing of Ederson a top priority this summer. With the 30-year-old goalkeeper also keen on the move due to the lucrative contractual deal on offer, Manchester City have prepared themselves for a potential future without their instrumental player.

Despite circulating reports of his uncertain future at the club, Ederson has travelled for the USA pre-season tour as a part of the 27-man squad. In addition, he was also a part of the team for the opening friendly against Celtic.

With potential replacements such as PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma doing the rounds, Manchester City are expected to entrust Stefan Ortega as their starting goalkeeper for the upcoming season if Ederson decides to leave the club this summer.

Ortega was signed on a free transfer in 2022 following the expiration of his contract with German outfit Arminia Bielefeld. In his two years at the club so far, the 31-year-old shot-stopper has served as a reliable backup option to Ederson, putting in incredible performances whenever called upon.

Last season, Ortega made 20 appearances across all competitions, keeping eight clean sheets in the process. During this period, he delivered match-winning performances against the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. His title-winning save against the latter will undoubtedly go down as one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history.

Even during Manchester City’s pre-season contest against Celtic, Stefan Ortega was given the nod ahead of Ederson in the starting lineup by manager Pep Guardiola.

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