Stefan Ortega has signed a one-year extension to his Manchester City contract in a deal that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2026.
The 31-year-old German shot-stopper has decided to commit his future to Manchester City after an impressive performance last season.
Ederson has been Pep Guardiola’s undisputed first choice since the Brazilian arrived in 2017.
However, Manchester City’s back-up goalkeeper surprised everyone when he came on against Tottenham in a crucial Premier League match following Ederson’s injury.
His standout moment was denying Son Heung-Min in a one-on-one situation, contributing to City’s fourth consecutive title win.
He also appeared in every round of the FA Cup as Manchester City reached a second successive final that ended in a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United.
Stefan Ortega’s 20 appearances across all competitions last season for Manchester City was a rare feat for a backup goalkeeper.
Following his contract extension, the German goalkeeper said he is delighted to extend his stay at the club.
Stefan Ortega said: “I am delighted to be staying at Manchester City for longer.”
“This is a football club that provides players with everything we need to be our best. Every single day I feel motivated and challenged, and I have improved as a goalkeeper since coming here two years ago.”
Meanwhile, City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, emphasized the importance of extending Ortega’s stay, particularly amidst rumors of Ederson potentially leaving for Saudi Arabia.
He said: “This is a crucial contract extension for Manchester City.”
“Stefan is the best number two goalkeeper we’ve ever had, providing us with quality, stability, and experience.”
Who is Stefan Ortega?
Stefan Ortega Moreno is a German professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Manchester City.
Stefan Ortega’s career stats
Ortega Moreno’s professional career began in 2007 with Arminia Bielefeld, where he played a total of 220 matches over two separate stints.
He made his first-team debut four years later and helped secure promotion to 2. Bundesliga in 2013.
After a successful time with TSV 1860 Munich, where he played 64 games over three seasons, Ortega Moreno returned to Arminia Bielefeld in 2017 and was later named vice-captain.
His contract with the team ended, leading him to join Manchester City in 2022 on a free transfer.
Since his move to City, Ortega Moreno has shown his skill as a top-class goalkeeper in the English game.
Known for his ball-playing abilities and composure in high-pressure situations, he has made 34 appearances for the club, winning two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and one Champions League since his arrival in July of 2022.
Ortega is yet to make his debut for the German national team.
He was selected as a potential reserve for the national team for UEFA Euro 2020 in May 2021, following a previous call-up to the German U19 national team in the autumn of 2010 where he did not play.
His inclusion in the squad was dependent on injuries to Manuel Neuer, Bernd Leno, or Kevin Trapp. who is yet to make his debut for his country
His age and height
Stefan Ortega was born on the 6th of November 1992. He is currently 31 years old. The German goalkeeper is 1.85 m tall.
How much does Stefan Ortega earn?
Stefan Ortega Moreno reportedly earns a gross base salary of £2,860,000 a year equivalent to £55,000 per week, not including bonuses.