Man City to offload Ortega as transfer dominoes fall across Europe

Manchester City have reportedly informed goalkeeper Stefan Ortega that he will be leaving the club this summer, following the arrival of highly-rated shot-stopper James Trafford.

This was disclosed by renowned Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who noted that Ortega has been told he is no longer part of City’s plans ahead of the new season.

Ortega, who joined Manchester City in 2022 from Arminia Bielefeld, had served primarily as backup to Ederson but was occasionally relied upon in cup competitions.

With Trafford returning to City after a spell with Burnley and impressing at the U21 level with England, Pep Guardiola’s side appear ready to reshape their goalkeeping department.

NEOM SC Close to Signing Saïmon Bouabré from Monaco

Elsewhere, Saudi Arabian club NEOM SC have reached an agreement with AS Monaco for the transfer of promising 19-year-old winger Saïmon Bouabré.

READ ALSO: Liverpool moves 11 points clear at Top of premier league with 2-0 Win over Man City

The deal is reportedly worth €10 million plus an additional €2 million in performance-based add-ons, including a sell-on clause in Monaco’s favour.

Final confirmation is pending as the player continues negotiations over personal terms with the Saudi side.

Bouabré, a France youth international, has been on the radar of several clubs across Europe but could be tempted by the lucrative offer from the Middle East as NEOM SC seek to build a youthful, competitive squad.

Meanwhile, Everton FC are still awaiting a final decision from Malick Fofana on whether he will join the Merseyside club this summer.

 Fofana, currently weighing his options, is understood to be prioritising a move to a club that offers UEFA Champions League football, putting Everton’s pursuit in limbo.

In response to the uncertainty, Everton’s recruitment team has shifted focus to alternative targets, making fresh enquiries for Assane Diao and Takefusa Kubo, both currently on the books of Como.

However, Como have already rejected an offer for Assane Diao earlier in the transfer window and may prove a tough negotiating party, especially with the club’s ambitions to establish itself in the top tier of Italian football.

The summer transfer window continues to unfold rapidly, with clubs across Europe and beyond positioning themselves for a strong 2025/26 season.