Man City Strike Lightning-Fast Transfer Move Following Record-Breaking James Trafford Signing
Manchester City have allegedly instructed Stefan Ortega to seek alternative employment following the acquisition of James Trafford.
Pep Guardiola's team announced the homecoming of their former youth product on Tuesday. The previous Burnley shot-stopper was quickly assigned the No. 1 shirt, instantly indicating a change in the goalkeeping pecking order at the Etihad Stadium.
It's unclear whether Ederson will maintain his starting position with Trafford now in the squad, but Ortega's destiny clearly seems to be away from east Manchester.
The German goalkeeper was notified that he would be deemed excess to requirements at City following Trafford's signing, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. Ortega has functioned as a highly competent backup to Ederson throughout the last three campaigns, accumulating an impressive 56 senior team outings during the Brazilian's periodic unavailability.
However, it seems the 32-year-old will need to secure new employment this summer. Player departures are now a key focus for City. They probably won't be able to command a significant transfer fee for a player with just twelve months left on his deal, but every amount matters at this stage.
City have invested approximately £153 million ($204.4 million) this summer following a winter transfer period which cost the former champions roughly £188.7 million ($250.9 million).
These amounts could potentially increase further. Trafford's signing was originally reported at £27 million ($36.5 million) though BBC Sport suggests the actual price is £31 million ($41.4 million) which would establish him as the costliest British goalkeeper in football history, eclipsing Jordan Pickford's former benchmark of £30 million ($40.1 million) when he transferred to Everton from Sunderland eight years ago.
Guardiola's squad did allegedly decline the opportunity to secure another £25 million ($33.4 million) recently for another former academy product. That was the amount Nottingham Forest proposed for James McAtee, according to Sky Sports.