FC Bayern was busy with him, FC Schalke 04 wanted to sign him: But after leaving Arminia Bielefeld, goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is apparently moving to the English Premier League – to champions Manchester City.
As the “kicker” reports, the change is imminent. Ortega should take over the role of number two behind the Portuguese regular goalkeeper Ederson in Pep Guardiola’s team, it is said.
Ortega will not be required to pay a fee. His contract in Bielefeld expires on June 30th. How long the 29-year-old is tied to City is not clear from the report. An official confirmation of the personnel is still pending.
Ortega has been one of the top performers at Arminia for years – and last season was also one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Bundesliga, despite Bielefeld’s relegation.
Rumors of interest from FC Schalke 04 and FC Bayern
For a long time, the native of Hesse was associated with a move to FC Bayern. Ultimately, however, the German record champions decided to continue to rely on top dog Manuel Neuer on his proven substitute Sven Ulreich.
Then Ortega was an issue at FC Schalke 04 as the club was looking for a new number one after returning to the Bundesliga.
At the latest with the signing of ex-Arminia coach Frank Kramer, who is said to have a strained relationship with Ortega, this personality was off the table in Gelsenkirchen.
FC Schalke 04 uses Hertha BSC
Instead, Alexander Schwolow will guard the Schalke goal in the coming season. The 30-year-old is on loan from Hertha BSC for a year.
Ortega’s departure from Bielefeld had been certain for a long time. On the last day of the Bundesliga match, the goalkeeper was given an emotional farewell at the Alm.
He completed 67 Bundesliga and 170 second division games for Arminia – and from the coming season is apparently under contract in the best football league in the world.