If a recent report from the Star (On Sunday, print edition, as cited by BBC Sport) is believed to be true, Celtic have been keeping close tabs on Stefan Ortega and are ready to splash a fee of around £500,000 for the veteran Manchester City goalkeeper in the upcoming winter window.
The 33-year-old German progressed through the academy ranks of TSV Jahn Calden, KSV Baunatal, Hessen Kassel and Arminia Bielefeld before featuring for the latter’s reserves in the regional league. He eventually broke into their senior side in the third division and was promoted to the second tier in 2013. Although the custodian joined 1860 Munich on a Bosman a year later, Arminia brought him back in the summer of 2017 upon the expiration of his contract with Die Sechzger.
Ortega secured a ‘number 1’ status in 2. Bundesliga since returning to his boyhood club, and played a key role in their top-flight promotion in 2020. However, Arminia was relegated from the Bundesliga the following season, and the shot-stopper left them for free once again to experience the game abroad for the first time in his career.
Manchester City roped him as the understudy to Ederson between the sticks and has featured 56 times over the past three campaigns in all competitions. But the club chose to bring in two top keepers this summer: Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford. This makes him surplus to requirements at the Etihad; moreover, the arrival of Marcus Bettinelli on a one-year contract ensures that they have a capable third-choice option. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, Ortega could be available for a minuscule fee in January.
Why Celtic Are Eyeing A Move For The Man City Veteran
Meanwhile, Celtic have Kasper Schmeichel as the preferred choice since the inception of the 2024-25 campaign. Then-Bhoys boss Brendan Rodgers brought in the 39-year-old Dane as a like-for-like replacement for Joe Hart following the Englishman’s retirement. But he is unlikely to be handed an extension beyond this season, thus allowing Ortega to claim the starting status in the last line of defence.
The Hoops also have Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan among the senior goalkeepers. Doohan has been brought in as a back-up following Scott Bain’s exit. Sinisalo, though impressive as a ‘number 2’, might be considered too young to succeed Schmeichel, given their recent trend of favouring renowned names.
Ortega, known for his ball-playing ability, holds the traits of a modern-day keeper. He would be a smart pick for a couple of seasons, aligning with the club’s strategy of bringing experienced figures with Premier League reputations. Agreeing on personal terms should not be a problem, unless he is happy to be surplus to requirements under Pep Guardiola.
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