Image Credits: Imago Images
Manchester City go into the game against Liverpool knowing one part of their squad has quietly changed.
While most of the focus is on injuries, form, and the title race, City have made a practical decision behind the scenes that reflects the reality of elite squad management.
Guardiola has spoken all season about the need for balance.
Players want minutes. Clubs want depth. But not everyone can play every week, especially in a squad built to compete on all fronts.
For fringe players, the January window is often about timing. Stay and sit. Or move and reset your career.
This move also highlights how competitive the top level has become.
Even players who contributed to historic title wins can suddenly find themselves pushed down the pecking order.
For Liverpool, it is another reminder of how City operate. They refresh without drama.
They move players on before problems start. And they rarely allow squad issues to linger.
That matters going into a game of this scale. Liverpool and City are again competing at the top. Every small detail counts. Even the exits.
Manchester City have officially announced the transfer of Stefan Ortega to Nottingham Forest in a deal worth up to £500,000.
This comes after the Manchester club secured Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
The 33-year-old leaves after three-and-a-half years at the Etihad, having made 56 appearances since joining from Arminia Bielefeld in 2022.
Ortega played a key role in City’s most successful period.
He featured across the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup during the Treble season, and started every FA Cup game that year, conceding just once in the final against Manchester United.
He also made a crucial save against Son Heung-min in the 2024 title run-in.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Manchester City,” Ortega said.
“I leave here as a better goalkeeper and with so many experiences that helped me grown as a person.”
“To have been involved in such an historic period of the Club is a huge source of pride and I have made memories I’ll never forget.”
“The Treble year was the greatest season in City’s history, and then to become the first team to win four titles in a row was incredible.”
“I am so proud of what I produced on the pitch when called upon.”
“I want to thank all – and I mean all – the people at Manchester City.”
“And I want to send a big hug to the City fans because I have felt amazing support from my first day here.”
“I will now start a new chapter of my career, but Manchester City will always remain close to my heart.”
City’s Director of Football Hugo Viana also praised Ortega’s impact.
“Stefan has been an amazing goalkeeper for Manchester City, and his contribution will stand the test of time,” Viana said.
“To win so many trophies in a short space of time, you need a full squad of players ready to perform at the highest level.”
“In Stefan, this Club had that.”
“Without him a lot of what City achieved during his time here simply isn’t possible -and his save away at Tottenham is now part of Manchester City’s rich history.”
“Stefan is a fine professional and I know he will now go on and have continued success in the remainder of his career.”
From a Liverpool point of view, it is another example of how City keep evolving, even days before facing their biggest rivals.
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