Plucky Ortega's ManCity Saga
=================================
Pep's Persistent Pursuit
Pep Guardiola's dogged determination paid off when he nabbed Stefan Ortega (31) for Manchester City (Man City). Despite Ortega turning down the first two offers, Guardiola's resilience paid off at the third try, securing the services of the ex-Bielefeld keeper for the Premier League champions.
Why the Stall?
Ortega's delayed response to Man City's advances wasn't without good reason. He explained to DAZN that, "City could have said: 'What does that weirdo from Arminia Bielefeld want who keeps saying no?' But in hindsight, it helped me when I started there because I showed them that I'm not the clown they brought in as their number two who does everything they want. Instead, I showed that I have a personality."
Ortega's Journey to Manchester
In the summer of 2022, Ortega departed Arminia Bielefeld after five years, securing a free transfer to Man City. With Ederson (30) as their primary keeper, Ortega served as backup, making three appearances so far this season in the Premier League, Community Shield, and EFL Cup.
Astonishing Revelations
Ortega's revelations don't stop there. Last-minute negotiations nearly saw him playing for Brentford FC before he was snatched up by Man City. Facing a family commitment, Ortega had to forgo the chance to meet the Brentford goalkeeping coach, and a phone call from Manchester City sealed the deal.
If necessary, Guardiola can rely on Ortega in tomorrow's Champions League clash against RB Leipzig.
- Pep Guardiola successfully persuaded Stefan Ortega to join Man City as backup to Ederson during the summer of 2022, despite initial rejections.
- Ortega's deliberate stalemaneuver helped establish him within the team, demonstrating his personality and resilience.
- Ortega narrowly missed out on transferring to Brentford FC, but a late-minute phone call from Manchester City secured his move to the Premier League champions.
Additional Insights
Stefan Ortega's journey to Manchester City may have been unconventional, but his performance since joining the team has proven his worth. With 47 appearances for Man City, including 21 clean sheets, Ortega has solidified his role within the team[5].
In June 2024, Ortega signed a new two-year contract, confirming his future with the team and demonstrating Manchester City's faith in his abilities[5].
Being signed on a free transfer likely made him an attractive option for Manchester City[3], helping to ease the financial burden for both parties. His reliability and contributions to the team have cemented his position as a viable backup to Ederson[5].
