Bayer Leverkusen target Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega

Bayer Leverkusen are actively seeking a new goalkeeper, and Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega has emerged as a key target. The German club is looking to make a strategic addition to its squad as it prepares for the next season, with Ortega reportedly high on their wishlist.

Stefan Ortega has made a solid impression during his time at Manchester City. The 31-year-old goalkeeper has played 38 matches for the Premier League champions, conceding 30 goals and achieving 19 clean sheets. His performances have showcased his capabilities, and he has garnered attention not just from Leverkusen but across Europe.

Ortega was nominated as a potential reserve for the Germany national team for UEFA Euro 2020, indicating his standing in German football. Although he did not make the final squad, his inclusion as a backup in case of injuries to established keepers like Manuel Neuer, Bernd Leno, or Kevin Trapp speaks volumes about his talent and potential.

Leverkusen’s interest in Ortega comes amid uncertainty surrounding their current captain, Lukas Hradecky. The Finnish international’s contract at the BayArena is set to expire in 2026, but there are indications that he may not receive a new deal. At 34 years old, Hradecky’s future at the club is being questioned as the team looks for a suitable successor.

Euro Football Rumours

Internally, there were hopes that 24-year-old Matěj Kovář would step up to fill Hradecky’s role this season. However, Kovář has struggled to consistently outperform the experienced goalkeeper, despite showing flashes of promise. His performances have been marred by a few notable mistakes, which has led the club to reconsider its options.

Given the situation, Leverkusen are eyeing Ortega as a viable candidate to take over the starting position. The club believes that Ortega could bring a higher level of quality to the squad, providing a more reliable option in goal as they aim for greater success in the Bundesliga and European competitions.

The potential signing of Ortega would not only bring experience but also align with Leverkusen’s ambitions to strengthen their squad. The club is focused on building a competitive team that can challenge for honors, and securing a top-tier goalkeeper is a crucial step in that direction.

As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Bayer Leverkusen to see if they can successfully negotiate a deal for Ortega. With Manchester City likely to be open to offers for their backup keeper, the German club could be well-positioned to make this move, setting the stage for a new chapter in their goalkeeping saga. The coming months could prove pivotal for both Ortega and Leverkusen as they seek to shape their futures in the world of football.

For all transfer rumors, news and much more regarding European football stay tuned to us at eurofootballrumours.com.

To stay up to date on the latest from Euro Football Rumours on social media, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

The content of this article does not reflect the official opinion of the eurofootballrumours.com. Responsibility for the information and views expressed in the article lies entirely with the author.

Do Bayer Leverkusen need to sign Stefan Ortega?

Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.