Man City star 'upset' team-mate was not sold and could force January transfer exit

Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega was reportedly ‘upset’ at not being promoted to first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the new season.

The 31-year-old would likely have stepped in if Ederson had left the Etihad Stadium during the summer transfer window amid strong links to the Saudi Pro League. But the Brazilian stopper stayed put, consigning Ortega to the substitutes’ bench and limiting him to appearances in cup competitions.

According to Sport Bild reporter Christian Falk, City’s back-up is ‘upset’ that the plan did not unfold and he is desperate for regular football as he goes in pursuit of a Germany call-up.

Ortega has never been capped for the national team, where the starting spot between the sticks is up for grabs following Manuel Neuer’s international retirement and a long-term injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The report adds that Ortega will try and force his way out of Manchester, potentially as early as January, if he is not shown a clear path towards becoming their No 1 next season. His predicament leaves Guardiola with a delicate balancing act and two top-class options to keep happy.

Ortega made 14 appearances in his debut season and 20 last campaign, but the majority came in domestic cups or the Champions League, with Ederson still a mainstay in the manager’s top-flight line-up.

It remains to be seen whether enough can be done to convince Ortega to stay over the coming months. The former Arminia Bielefeld stopper has been superb when called upon by the Blues, leading Guardiola to call him one of the best one-v-one goalkeepers he has ever seen.

But Ederson is still the benchmark in possession. Guardiola recently shed light on the transfer saga which almost took him to the Middle East, and which could reignite at the end of the season to clear a space for Ortega.

“[Ederson] knew from day one that I didn’t want him to leave,” he said. “The truth is the offer didn’t come. The real offer. They make an offer but the keeper who won four Premier Leagues in a row, he has a value and a price. Otherwise he cannot leave.

“If the offer did come, maybe he should not be here. This is the truth. Ederson is so strong but when he changed his mind, in one second he said he is here and he is going to do his best.

“Stefan is exceptional and Ederson has the feeling he has to perform well otherwise Stefan can play. This competition they have because they have respect and healthy relationship makes our team better.”