Manchester City to axe both Ederson and Stefan Ortega with big-money new goalkeeper on the way

Manchester City are facing a major transition in their goalkeeper department, as the club is reportedly planning to make significant changes for the upcoming season. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, City has experienced a somewhat uncharacteristic defensive fragility this season, and this has raised concerns regarding their goalkeeping situation. The team has conceded 37 goals in the Premier League, a statistic that is unusual for a squad known for its strong defensive record. As a result, City has already begun exploring the possibility of signing a new goalkeeper to strengthen their ranks.

The season took a significant downturn for City in the Champions League, where they were eliminated in the knockout stages. Their departure from the competition was largely attributed to a defensive lapse in their two-legged tie against Paris Saint-Germain. Kylian Mbappé’s performance, including a stunning masterclass in the second leg, highlighted the vulnerability of City’s defense and goalkeeping. With this, Guardiola and the club’s hierarchy have reportedly started to reassess the goalkeeper situation at the Etihad Stadium.

Historically, Manchester City has been one of the most dominant teams in the Premier League, often praised for their solid defense and controlled possession style under Guardiola. However, the current season has not reflected these strengths as strongly as in the past. The 37 goals conceded in the league are a worrying number, and it is evident that the team’s defensive woes have impacted their overall performance. Despite the presence of experienced defenders such as Ruben Dias, Nathan Aké, and Manuel Akanji, the squad has struggled to maintain the same level of defensive solidity that it once boasted.

The defensive issues are compounded by injuries to key players. John Stones, a critical member of the backline, has been plagued by injuries throughout the season and has played only a limited number of matches in the Premier League. In addition, veteran right-back Kyle Walker left for AC Milan in the January transfer window, further unsettling the balance of the defense. Although young talents like Abdukadir Khusanov have been brought in, there is still a sense that City has not found the right defensive formula. Guardiola’s tactical setup, which usually relies on tight, coordinated defending, has been disrupted due to personnel changes and injuries.

As a result, the goalkeeper position has come under increased scrutiny. Ederson, City’s long-time first-choice keeper, has been criticized for some of his performances this season. While his shot-stopping ability remains strong, questions have arisen about his positioning and consistency at times, particularly in high-pressure moments. Backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has also struggled to make a significant impact when called upon. The feeling within the club is that a change is necessary to reinforce the squad’s overall structure, and the goalkeeper position is one of the primary areas of focus.

The search for a new goalkeeper has reportedly led Manchester City to FC Porto’s Diogo Costa. The Portuguese international has been highly impressive in the Primeira Liga, with his performances in both domestic and international competitions drawing attention from top European clubs. Costa, who has represented Portugal at the senior level, is considered one of the most promising goalkeepers in Europe. He has already earned 32 caps for his national team, a remarkable feat for a 25-year-old goalkeeper.

Costa has been a key figure for Porto this season, helping them maintain a solid defensive record. As of 2024/25, he has kept 15 clean sheets in 34 appearances, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level. His shot-stopping, distribution, and commanding presence in the box have made him a standout talent in Portugal’s top division. In addition to his excellent performances for Porto, Costa’s ability to play with his feet has made him an attractive option for Guardiola, who prefers goalkeepers who are comfortable in possession and able to build play from the back.

Despite being linked with a move to Manchester United in the past, Costa now seems set to join their cross-town rivals, Manchester City. The club is reportedly keen on securing Costa’s signature in the summer transfer window of 2025. His current contract with FC Porto runs until 2027, which could make him an expensive acquisition. Transfermarkt values Costa at €40 million (£33.1m), which, while significant, is a relatively modest sum for a player of his talent and potential.

For Manchester City, Costa represents a long-term solution to their goalkeeper issues. With both Ederson and Ortega potentially facing uncertain futures at the club, Costa could be the player to lead the team into the next phase of their evolution. Guardiola’s style requires a goalkeeper who is not only capable of stopping shots but also comfortable with playing out from the back, and Costa fits this requirement perfectly.

The potential arrival of Diogo Costa has significant implications for Manchester City’s current goalkeepers, Ederson and Stefan Ortega. Both players could face uncertain futures at the club, with one or both potentially being shown the door in the upcoming transfer window.

Ederson, who has been at City since 2017, has been a pivotal figure in the team’s success over the past several years. However, his performances this season have raised questions about his ability to maintain the high standards required by a team of City’s caliber. While he remains one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League, Guardiola may feel that a change is necessary to address the team’s defensive issues.

Stefan Ortega, who joined City as a backup option in 2022, has not had the opportunity to showcase his talents as often as he would have liked. Ortega has made only a handful of appearances for City, and the arrival of Costa could push him further down the pecking order. The 31-year-old German goalkeeper may seek a move elsewhere in search of more regular first-team football, with several clubs likely to be interested in his services.

The changes in goal could also be influenced by City’s broader squad overhaul, as Guardiola continues to shape the team for future success. While the goalkeeper position remains a priority, City is also looking to strengthen other areas of the squad, including the defense and midfield. The club’s financial situation, despite the ongoing Premier League charges against them, appears to be stable, and they are expected to continue making significant investments in the transfer market.

Manchester City’s pursuit of Diogo Costa comes at a time when their financial dealings are under intense scrutiny. The club is currently embroiled in a legal battle with the Premier League, which has accused them of breaching financial regulations. While the outcome of this case remains uncertain, City’s transfer activity suggests that they are confident in their ability to continue spending heavily in the market. The arrival of Costa, coupled with potential other high-profile signings, indicates that the club is not holding back in their pursuit of success.

Despite the legal challenges, City’s wealth, bolstered by their ownership group, provides them with the financial resources to make substantial investments in their squad. The club’s consistent success in the Premier League and on the European stage has allowed them to attract top talent from around the world, and their ability to offer significant financial packages is an important factor in their recruitment strategy.

Guardiola’s focus on strengthening the goalkeeper position is part of a broader plan to ensure that City remains competitive at the highest level. With the Premier League and Champions League still within their reach, the club is determined to ensure that they have a squad capable of challenging for all major honors. While defensive stability has been a concern this season, the addition of a world-class goalkeeper like Diogo Costa could help shore up City’s backline and make them even more formidable moving forward

As Manchester City navigates a transitional period in their squad, the decision to pursue a new goalkeeper highlights the club’s ambition to maintain their dominance in both domestic and European competitions. Diogo Costa, with his impressive performances for FC Porto, appears to be the ideal candidate to fill the void between the posts at the Etihad Stadium. His arrival would likely spell the end of Ederson and Stefan Ortega’s time at the club, with both goalkeepers potentially moving on to new challenges.

With Guardiola’s squad looking to evolve and strengthen, the addition of Costa would be a significant step toward building a team capable of competing for titles in the years to come. As Manchester City continues to build for the future, their investment in a new goalkeeper is just one part of a broader strategy to remain at the top of the footballing world.