Celtic target Stefan Ortega is in talks with ‘several clubs’ as a Man City exit looms, it is being reported.
Ortega has been linked with Celtic on multiple occasions this season, with uncertainty growing over Kasper Schmeichel’s future.
Schmeichel’s contract expires at the end of the season, and supporters are growing increasingly frustrated with his level of performance this season.
33-year-old Ortega has fallen behind in Pep Guardiola’s pecking order, and a move to Glasgow for more playing opportunities would make sense.
It is now being reported that he could leave the Citizens this month.
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Celtic target Stefan Ortega could be on the move
Ortega hasn’t been named in a matchday squad for City since August, with the signings of James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma taking place this summer.
And according to the Athletic, Ortega is in ‘explorative talks’ to leave this month.
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DSC Arminia Bielefeld v RB Leipzig - Bundesliga
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Ortega joined City from Arminia Bielefeld in a surprise move in 2022. He was signed to serve as backup to Ederson.
But a combination of form and fitness issues led to the German making 56 appearances over his first three seasons in Manchester.
This season, however, he is yet to kick a ball. As Guardiola seeks to ring the changes at City, Ortega, Kalvin Phillips and Oscar Bobb are among those expected to leave.
A late bloomer, Ortega didn’t make a Bundesliga appearance until 2017, aged 27. He joined Arminia aged 15.
His form for City led to him being called by Julian Nagelsmann for the German national team in March last year, but he has never received a cap.
If he is to be on the move this winter, Celtic will need to make a decision regarding Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo.
Should Celtic prioritise replacing Kasper Schmeichel in the transfer window?
Kasper Schmeichel looks to distribute the ball out during Dundee United and Celtic
Kasper Schmeichel looks to distribute the ball out during Dundee United and Celtic Credit: WM Sport Media/Getty Images
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Recent Celtic signings from Manchester City
Celtic last signed a player from Manchester City in the summer, in the shape of Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – it’s fair to say that move didn’t go to plan.
He was the first City player to join the Hoops since Jeremie Frimpong in 2019. Having never made a senior appearance in Manchester, Frimpong is now at Liverpool.
Long-term City servants Joe Hart and Kelechi Iheanacho have both recently made moves to Celtic Park.
To come full circle, Schmeichel himself made ten appearances for the Citizens at the start of his career.
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