After clinching the signing of Harry Kane, Bayern Munich is switching their attention toward signing a new goalkeeper. The Bavarian club wanted to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, but the Spanish shot-stopper preferred a move to Real Madrid. Bayern has now turned their focus on another Premier League goalkeeper to fill the void left by Yann Sommer.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern is interested in signing Stefan Ortega from Manchester City. The German goalkeeper has already held talks with Die Roten, but concrete talks with Man City are yet to take place. The Premier League champions are open to extending Ortega’s contract until 2025.
Bild has also reported Bayern’s interest in Ortega. The German goalkeeper has been a backup option for Ederson at Manchester City since moving to England from Arminia Bielefeld in 2022. He has managed to keep nine clean sheets for Manchester City in 14 appearances across all competitions.
Manchester City’s head coach Pep Guardiola wants to keep Ortega at the club this season. It remains to be seen if Bayern wants to look for a permanent transfer or a loan deal for Ortega. Bayern will have to be wary about negotiations with Manchester City after their failed pursuit of Kyle Walker this summer.
Bayern want Stefan Ortega, Guardiola: “We don’t want to sell him and we don’t want to loan him. I’m sorry, but we want him for long time”. 🔵 #MCFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2023
“It always depends on three parties yes but we’d have to go back on market to find a replacement in two weeks… we want Ortega”. pic.twitter.com/F08jVCGzFU
The 30-year-old goalkeeper may have to push for a transfer to force Manchester City’s hand. Ortega has been previously linked with a move to Bavaria when he was excelling at Arminia Bielefeld. The German goalkeeper is a fine shot-stopper and very well adept at playing out from the back, which makes him a perfect fit for Bayern.
Meanwhile, Die Roten is out of the race to sign Yassine Bounou from Sevilla. The Moroccan goalkeeper is closing on a move to Al Hilal. Bayern has been linked with Bounou for two consecutive transfer windows. The Bavarian club wanted a loan move, but Sevilla is looking to get a fee close to €20 million for Bounou.
The Bundesliga champions have been linked with David de Gea. Sport1 reported this week that Die Roten is weighing up a move for the Spanish goalkeeper. De Gea has been a free agent this summer since leaving Manchester United at the start of July.
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Manuel Neuer was spotted training separately at Sabner Strasse this week. The German international had to undergo another surgery this summer to remove metal implants from his leg. There is still uncertainty over Neuer’s return to full fitness, so Bayern needs to get a goalkeeper before the end of the transfer window. As things stand, Sven Ulreich is expected to start for Bayern in the Bundesliga opener against Werder Bremen on Friday.