Bayer Leverkusen have included Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega in their target list for the summer window, according to multiple claims from Germany.
Lukas Hradecky has been the first-choice stopper for the Bundesliga winners with Matěj Kovář as his backup.
Kicker state they are intensively searching for a goalkeeper probably because Kovář could leave after this season. Ortega and Espanyol star Joan García is on their agenda.
The German club would have discussed about the Manchester City player, who is ‘on the market’.
The 35-year-old was born in Germany and spent his playing career in his country before joining the Citizens in 2022. If Bayer Leverkusen were to sign him, Kicker state he will be considered as a ‘local player’.
Bild backs up this claim and then give their own take on the Bundesliga club’s interest in Ortega.
Xabi Alonso’s side are focusing on 23-year-old García, who is taller and younger than the Manchester City man. If they can’t sign García, who is also wanted by Arsenal, they must be prepared to sign an alternative. This is where Ortega comes into the picture.
Bild claim the German champions have ‘already made contacts’ to ask about Ortega and see his status as a ‘local player’ as an advantage.
Bayer Leverkusen are looking for a starter and the report claims Ortega could take over from Hradecky, if they end up signing him.
Ortega’s contract is until 2026 and Bild state he would ‘cost between €5-8m’, which would be affordable for Alonso’s side.
The former Arminia Bielefeld man, for his part, is wants to be the No.1 at Manchester City next season. This suggests he wants to continue at the Etihad despite Bayer Leverkusen’s approach.
