Man City have moved forward plans to recruit a new goalkeeper after Ederson’s hip issues and Stefan Ortega’s future uncertainty accelerated the search.
Pep Guardiola’s side initially eyed the 2026 summer window to add a new goalkeeper. They planned a long-term rebuild behind Ederson. But Ederson’s current hip problem forced a rethink. The club will now act as early as this summer. The shift underscores City’s ambition to maintain dominance on all fronts.
Ederson remains the undisputed number one despite his injury layoff. The 31-year-old Brazilian has played 33 times across all competitions this term. He has started every match and logged 3,006 minutes in goal. Opponents have scored 47 goals against him while he has kept nine clean sheets. His commanding presence remains vital to City’s push for more trophies. Guardiola trusts Ederson for his distribution and command at set‑pieces.
Stefan Ortega has stepped up as a reliable deputy this season. The 32-year-old German has made 18 appearances, starting 17 matches. He has logged 1,549 minutes in goal. His backline has conceded 22 goals while he kept six clean sheets. Several clubs are monitoring his progress as he eyes a first-choice role. His performances against top-tier sides have underscored his readiness for bigger challenges.
City face a dilemma if both keepers depart this summer. They cannot afford to lose two top options without a ready replacement. Instead, they may sell one goalkeeper to clear space for a new challenger. That approach guarantees two elite choices between the sticks at the Etihad. Such a plan would mirror the club’s approach to other positions in recent seasons. Pep Guardiola and his staff will assess every prospect before approving a transfer.
Ederson has just 12 months remaining on his deal, which runs until June 2026. Interest from Saudi Arabia has fuelled talk of an early exit. Stefan Ortega put pen to paper on a new contract in summer 2024. His agreement now extends until June 2026, offering stability in goal. This dual-contract situation gives City flexibility as they map out summer deals. The club will use that security to navigate the coming window.
City meet Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-final on 27 April. With Ederson sidelined, Ortega will guard the net at Wembley. This match gives Ortega a platform to prove himself under pressure. He will aim to add to his six clean sheets in the competition. Victory at Wembley could bolster morale ahead of a crucial final league run.
Ederson has battled hip and muscle issues in recent seasons. He has missed crucial Premier League and Champions League fixtures through injury. That patchy availability has driven City to strengthen their goalkeeping ranks. Maintaining fitness will be crucial as City chase a domestic treble next season. Securing two dependable shot‑stoppers will guard against further setbacks.
Meanwhile, City have narrowed their prime midfield target for the summer. Florian Wirtz sits at the top of the wishlist to succeed Kevin De Bruyne. Other contenders for the role include Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs‑White and Jamal Musiala. Bayern Munich appear to lead the chase for the 21‑year‑old German prodigy. City’s recruitment team have scouted each midfielder over the past year. They know that securing him will demand significant effort and resources.
