With Ederson and Stefan Ortega both potentially on their way out of the Etihad Stadium, the club appears to be preparing for a bold new era between the posts. FC Porto’s highly-rated Diogo Costa is emerging as the primary candidate to become City’s new No. 1 — a move that signals a major shift in philosophy and personnel.
A Season of Uncharacteristic Vulnerability
Manchester City have long been considered the benchmark of defensive discipline in the Premier League. With multiple league titles under Guardiola and an enviable goal difference year after year, City’s backline has often acted as a fortress. However, the 2024/25 season has not followed that same script.
City have conceded 37 goals in the Premier League — a surprisingly high figure for a team of their stature. While still within the top tier of the league standings, this tally represents a departure from the defensive standard typically associated with Guardiola’s squads. City fans and analysts alike have been left questioning the reliability of the team’s once-revered defensive core.
The situation was further magnified during their Champions League campaign, which ended in disappointment. Knocked out in the Round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain, City’s elimination was largely attributed to a lack of defensive cohesion. Kylian Mbappé’s masterful performance in the second leg was a stark reminder of the vulnerability City now face — particularly in high-stakes matches.
Injuries and Departures Compounding Defensive Woes
A closer examination reveals the depth of City’s defensive struggles. Injuries to key personnel have played a significant role in disrupting Guardiola’s preferred setup. John Stones, an instrumental part of City’s defense over recent years, has been plagued by injury throughout the season. His limited appearances have deprived the team of both experience and composure at the back.
In January, veteran full-back Kyle Walker made a surprise move to AC Milan. The departure of a player so integral to City’s transition play and defensive organization further weakened Guardiola’s options. Although reinforcements such as promising youngster Abdukadir Khusanov have arrived, City have yet to find a defensive formula that offers the solidity required for sustained success.
These issues have brought renewed scrutiny to the goalkeeper position. While goalkeepers can’t shoulder full responsibility for defensive failings, their performances can often be the difference in tight contests — something City has learned the hard way this season.
The Goalkeeper Dilemma: Ederson and Ortega Under Fire
Ederson, who joined City from Benfica in 2017, has been a mainstay of Guardiola’s system. Renowned for his exceptional distribution and calm under pressure, Ederson was, for many years, considered a revolutionary presence in modern goalkeeping. His ability to play out from the back changed how goalkeepers were evaluated in top-tier football.
However, the Brazilian’s form in the 2024/25 season has been inconsistent. While still capable of producing world-class saves, lapses in positioning, decision-making under pressure, and a slight decline in his reflexes have led to criticism. In high-profile matches — including the Champions League exit — Ederson’s performances have fallen short of expectations.
Stefan Ortega, brought in as a backup in 2022, has not fared much better. Although he has shown glimpses of quality in domestic cup matches and the occasional Premier League start, Ortega has struggled to inspire the kind of confidence necessary to challenge Ederson for the starting spot. At 31, Ortega is entering a stage in his career where regular first-team football will be a priority — something increasingly unlikely at City.
Diogo Costa: The Future Between the Posts?
In response to their goalkeeping concerns, Manchester City have reportedly identified FC Porto’s Diogo Costa as their top target for the summer of 2025. The Portuguese international has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in European football, earning plaudits for his performances both domestically and in continental competitions.
Costa, 25, has already amassed over 30 caps for Portugal’s senior team — an impressive achievement for a goalkeeper of his age. In the current season alone, he has kept 15 clean sheets in 34 matches across all competitions, helping Porto maintain a strong defensive record.
What makes Costa particularly appealing to Guardiola is his all-around skill set. He is an excellent shot-stopper, has great command of his area, and is renowned for his composure on the ball. His distribution — a non-negotiable trait for any goalkeeper in Guardiola’s system — has been repeatedly praised. Costa’s ability to initiate attacks with pinpoint long passes and short buildup play makes him an ideal fit for City’s style.
Although Costa has previously been linked with Manchester United, it now appears that Manchester City are poised to win the race for his signature. His current contract with Porto runs until 2027, and Transfermarkt currently values him at €40 million (£33.1m). While this is a substantial fee, City would view the investment as a long-term solution in a critical position.
Implications for Ederson and Ortega
Should Costa arrive at the Etihad, it would almost certainly signal the end of Ederson and Ortega’s time with the club. Ederson, despite his contributions to City’s golden era, may find it difficult to accept a reduced role or transition into a backup position. Reports suggest that several clubs in Brazil and Saudi Arabia have expressed interest in the 31-year-old, offering him a chance to start afresh and potentially command a lucrative salary.
Ortega, meanwhile, is expected to attract interest from mid-tier European clubs. Given his age and desire for regular football, a move away from Manchester seems inevitable should Costa join the squad. His departure would also free up wages and space within City’s roster as they prepare for a broader squad overhaul.
A Broader Transition at City
The potential shake-up in the goalkeeping department reflects a wider transition underway at Manchester City. Guardiola is reportedly planning a comprehensive review of his squad ahead of the 2025/26 season. With key players aging and injuries becoming more frequent, City are expected to reinforce not only their goalkeeping options but also their defense and midfield.
Despite facing ongoing legal issues — including accusations from the Premier League regarding financial fair play breaches — City continue to operate confidently in the transfer market. The club’s ownership group remains one of the wealthiest in world football, and their continued investment is expected to keep the team competitive on all fronts.
If City are able to land Costa and reinforce their backline, they will likely re-emerge as favorites in both domestic and European competitions. Guardiola’s vision of a technically proficient, tactically adaptable, and mentally resilient team requires depth and freshness — especially in goal.
The Guardiola Blueprint: A Goalkeeper as the First Attacker
Pep Guardiola has always viewed the goalkeeper as more than just a shot-stopper. At Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and now City, he has demanded that his keepers serve as the starting point of every attack. In this philosophy, the goalkeeper must be confident with the ball at their feet, possess sharp decision-making skills, and be tactically aware of how to exploit space during transitions.
Diogo Costa fits that mold to perfection. His performances for Porto and Portugal show a maturity beyond his years, and his technical proficiency places him among the elite. By bringing Costa to the Etihad, Guardiola would be signaling his intent to return to the high-risk, high-reward style that has made his teams so difficult to beat over the past decade.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in City’s Evolution
Manchester City’s dominance over the past five years has been built on tactical brilliance, squad depth, and a clear identity. But as football evolves and opposition teams adapt, even the best clubs must undergo transformation. Guardiola understands this better than most, and the potential overhaul in the goalkeeping department is a reflection of his relentless pursuit of perfection.
With Diogo Costa seen as the future, and with Ederson and Ortega likely moving on, the summer of 2025 could mark the beginning of a new chapter for City. One where the foundations are rebuilt not just in defense, but across the pitch — setting the club up for another era of success.
In a season that has asked more questions than provided answers, the goalkeeping conundrum may be the most defining narrative of City’s campaign. And as the club looks to the future, Diogo Costa could well be the cornerstone upon which the next great Manchester City team is built
