Manchester City star signs new contract amid interest from Chelsea
Stefan Ortega Moreno has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Manchester City until the summer of 2026. The announcement from the Cityzens comes amid interest from other clubs, including Chelsea.
The German made 20 appearances across all competitions for City last season. He featured in all FA Cup games, including the final that resulted in a defeat.
However, his most significant came in the dying embers of the season after Ederson was forced to step away due to injury. The Brazilian injured his eye socket during City's crucial clash against Tottenham Hotspur after clashing with Cristian Romero.
Ortega made a title-deciding save in the same game, blocking a shot by Spurs captain Son Heung-Min.
While Chelsea have Đorđe Petrović and Robert Sanchez as shot-stoppers, the Blues are currently looking for a more experienced goalkeeper. The German goalkeeper has played second fiddle to Ederson since he arrived in 2022 on a free transfer but has had a monumental impact whenever he's stepped onto the pitch.
Here's what Ortega said after signing a contract extension with the Manchester outfit (via Manchester City's official website):
"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."
"My family are really settled here in England… I love everything about it here. Signing this deal means I can now focus 100% on next season and beyond."
The 31-year-old played the full 90 minutes in Manchester City's last game of the season against West Ham United. The German shot-stopper has 34 appearances across competitions for the club, winning two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League in the process.
Ortega's crucial save against Spurs allowed Manchester City to win their 4th Premier League title
The German made three crucial saves against the Lilywhites in 21 minutes to allow the Cityzens to claim their record-extending fourth Premier League title. His save against Son Heung-Min has also been compared to Emiliano Martínez's crucial save against France in the World Cup final that allowed Argentina to lift the title.
Pep Guardiola's men have now become the only team to win four consecutive Premier League titles. Additionally, the club has also won six Premier League titles in the last seven years, which is a feat no other club has achieved.