Stefan Ortega is reportedly weighing the prospect of a move back to Germany as he considers his future at Manchester City. The German goalkeeper, who joined City in 2022 as a backup to Ederson, is understood to be “very tempted” by the idea of leaving the Premier League champions in search of regular first-team football. Bayer Leverkusen, one of the top clubs in the Bundesliga, are said to be among the clubs interested in securing his services. Ortega’s desire for more consistent playing time has become evident, as his role at City has been limited to cup appearances, with Ederson firmly established as the undisputed No. 1 goalkeeper for both domestic and European competitions.
### Limited Role at Manchester City
Ortega, 31, has been an important backup option for Manchester City since his arrival from Arminia Bielefeld in 2022, but it has never been in doubt that Ederson is the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. The Brazilian international has been ever-present in the Premier League, Champions League, and other major competitions, leaving Ortega with only a handful of opportunities to showcase his skills. While Ortega has proven to be a reliable backup when called upon, his playing time has been limited, leading to speculation that he could seek a move to a club where he can establish himself as a regular starter.
This season, Ortega has appeared in just four matches—two in the Champions League and two in the League Cup. His lack of playing time underscores the challenge of finding a starting role at a club as competitive as Manchester City, where every position is fiercely contested. Ortega’s situation is further complicated by the fact that City have no plans to move Ederson out of the No. 1 spot, making it difficult for Ortega to secure a starting role in the immediate future.
As a result, the goalkeeper is reportedly considering his options, with the possibility of a return to Germany seeming increasingly likely. According to *Football Insider*, Ortega finds the idea of returning to his homeland “very tempting,” as it would allow him to compete for a starting role at a club where he could be a key player. While Ortega still has over a year remaining on his contract with Manchester City, his desire for more playing time could lead him to seek an exit sooner rather than later.
### Interest from Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen are said to be at the forefront of clubs interested in Ortega’s services. The German club, currently competing in the Bundesliga and European competitions, are reportedly looking to strengthen their goalkeeping department. Leverkusen’s plan is to have two top-quality goalkeepers to compete for the No. 1 spot, and Ortega is seen as a viable option to join their ranks.
According to *SportBild*, Leverkusen’s management sees Ortega as a potential challenger to their current goalkeeper, Lukas Hradecky. The Finnish international has been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for several years, but with his contract set to expire in 2026, Leverkusen are looking to prepare for a smooth transition. Ortega, with his experience in both the Bundesliga and at Manchester City, could be the ideal candidate to push Hradecky for the starting spot, with the possibility of taking over as No. 1 in the near future once Hradecky’s contract runs out.
Ortega is reportedly not the only goalkeeper on Leverkusen’s radar. The club is also said to be monitoring Jonas Urbig, a highly-rated young goalkeeper who is regarded as one of Germany’s top prospects for the future. However, Ortega’s experience and ability to provide immediate competition for Hradecky make him an attractive option for the club as they look to bolster their squad and increase competition in goal.
### The Case for a Move: Ortega’s Desire for First-Team Football
While Ortega has enjoyed a successful spell at Manchester City, winning major trophies including the Premier League and the Champions League, his desire for more playing time is understandable. At 31, Ortega is at an age where he wants to be playing regularly to maintain his sharpness and develop his skills. Despite his talents, he has never played more than 20 matches in a season for City, and this lack of consistent action could be one of the primary reasons why he is considering a move away from the club.
In his time at City, Ortega has proven that he is more than capable of stepping up when called upon. His performances in cup competitions, including the League Cup and Champions League, have been solid, and he has gained a reputation for being a dependable and skilled goalkeeper. However, it’s clear that Ortega’s ambitions extend beyond being a backup goalkeeper. He wants to play regularly, and the prospect of competing for the No. 1 spot at a club like Bayer Leverkusen could be an enticing opportunity.
### Potential Impact on Leverkusen’s Goalkeeping Situation
If Ortega were to make the move to Bayer Leverkusen, it would certainly shake up the club’s goalkeeping situation. Hradecky has been the club’s stalwart for many years, but the arrival of Ortega would provide healthy competition for the starting role. This kind of competition could benefit Leverkusen, as it would push both goalkeepers to perform at their best, knowing that the No. 1 spot is up for grabs.
Leverkusen’s interest in Ortega also speaks to the club’s ambitions to continue challenging for top honors in Germany and Europe. With a strong squad and a solid foundation under manager Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen are aiming to return to the upper echelons of European football, and a goalkeeper of Ortega’s quality could be a valuable addition to their ranks.
If Ortega were to join Leverkusen, he would also be reunited with the Bundesliga, where he enjoyed a solid career at Arminia Bielefeld before moving to City. The chance to return to familiar surroundings, playing in a competitive league, and possibly leading Leverkusen’s goalkeeping department could be exactly what Ortega needs to get back to his best.
### Manchester City’s Perspective
From Manchester City’s point of view, Ortega’s potential departure would not be entirely unexpected. The club has invested heavily in Ederson, who has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world since joining City in 2017. With the Brazilian firmly entrenched as the No. 1, City has no immediate need for Ortega to play more regularly, and the club may be willing to let him go if the right offer comes in. With a year remaining on his contract, Ortega could be available for a reasonable transfer fee, and City may be open to allowing him to leave if it benefits both parties.
City, however, would likely need to bring in a replacement if Ortega were to depart, although they could opt to promote from within their ranks or explore the transfer market for a backup goalkeeper.
### The Road Ahead for Ortega
As Ortega weighs his options, the next few months could prove pivotal in determining his future. The prospect of regular first-team football at Bayer Leverkusen seems like a compelling option, especially given his desire to maintain his form and keep competing at the highest level. Whether he makes the move in the upcoming transfer window or waits until his contract at City expires, one thing is clear: Ortega’s future may lie away from the Etihad Stadium as he seeks to reclaim a prominent role in a top-flight team.
For now, all eyes will be on Ortega as he continues to navigate the challenges of being a backup goalkeeper at one of the biggest clubs in Europe. The temptation of a move back to Germany may be too great to resist, and Leverkusen’s interest is a promising sign that his next chapter in football could be just around the corner.