The joyous £60m playmaker than Man Utd & Man City should both bid for this summerplaceholder image
The joyous £60m playmaker than Man Utd & Man City should both bid for this summer | Getty Images
Manchester City’s final deal of the summer could be blocked after a Man United exit happened late in the window.
Manchester City will have all their focus on rivals Manchester United as the two meet this weekend for the first Manchester derby of the season, after both clubs have seen a slow start to the new campaign
The derby isn’t the only developing story around both Manchester clubs, however, as there is transfer news involving both clubs, too. The goalkeeper position has been a big talking point for City this summer, as they first signed James Trafford from Burnley and then sold Ederson.
Following Ederson’s departure, City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma, which has now cleared Stefan Ortega to leave the club, as he has become the third-string option behind Trafford and Donnarumma. However, a recent United deal may have ruined City's chance to sell Ortega.
Onana exit could stall Ortega deal
United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been subject to a lot of transfer talk all summer, and it has now been reported that he is leaving to join Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan, after United signed Senne Lammens to replace the Cameroon international.
With Onana joining Trabzonspor, it has all but stalled an exit for Ortega, who was heavily linked with a move to the Turkish club, according to the Manchester Evening News.
There is still a chance that the German keeper could leave for a different Turkish club or a Saudi Pro League club, as their transfer windows are still open. However, if that doesn’t materialise, then Ortega could spend the first half of the season sat behind Donnarumma and Trafford.
The 32-year-old would have been hopeful at the potential chance to make Germany’s World Cup squad, but if he is essentially a reserve keeper for the foreseeable future, it could really damage his chances. Not to mention that his market value will decrease, damaging Man City’s potential revenue on a sale in January.
Which goalkeeper will Pep Guardiola start against United?
One of the biggest questions around Man City now is whether Guardiola will thrust Donnarumma straight into the starting spot, or if he will continue to give Trafford the chance, based on the fact that he likely joined with the knowledge that he would become the starter.
Trafford has started every game so far this season and has looked solid without looking exceptional. He has conceded four goals in three games, but is now at risk of losing his job to Donnarumma, who has to be considered as one of the best in the world after a superb season with PSG last year.
The Italian stopper could be in line to make his debut for Man City against United on Sunday. In terms of last season, his save statistics were better than Trafford’s, although Trafford conceded fewer goals and kept more clean sheets.
It may become more of a question of whether Donnarumma gets the starting role until Trafford has more experience, as the English keeper could learn under Donnarumma, who has made over 400 career appearances at the age of 26.
In other news, Liverpool ready to call Man City and Real Madrid 'bluff' as player sees 'long-term future at Anfield'.