Sources: Celtic in hunt to sign Man City outcast who’s perfect for Wilfried Nancy
Celtic are plotting a move to sign Man City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega as he looks set to leave the Etihad on a free transfer next summer.
The 33-year-old’s contract at Man City will expire at the end of the season, and he does not feature in Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans for his squad.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Celtic are long-term admirers of the goalkeeper and feel he could be a perfect fit for Wilfried Nancy‘s style of play as the new boss begins to implement his plans at Parkhead.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in October that Celtic are considering signing a goalkeeper amid uncertainty about Kasper Schmeichel‘s future.
The 39-year-old will see his contract expire at the end of the season, and the Hoops have already begun the process of landing a new shot-stopper.
Celtic plot move to sign Stefan Ortega from Man City
Football Insider revealed last month that Celtic will have to back Wilfried Nancy in January as he aims to win the Premiership title ahead of early-season leaders Hearts.
While investment is expected during the mid-season window, they are also setting their sights on long-term deals to further strengthen their squad.
Ortega’s potential availability has emerged as an opportunity for Celtic to strengthen their squad while directly addressing the issue of Schmeichel’s future.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I think obviously it is an area of the team that the Celtic recruitment personnel are looking to strengthen the goalkeeping options.
“Ortega would be a good fit, you would think, especially if he does become a free agent in the summer.
“He’s basically just fallen totally out of favour at Man City, with Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford ahead of him, and Marcus Bettinelli has been travelling with the squad.
“If Celtic are looking a new goalkeeper come the summer when Schmeichel’s contract is up, Ortega could be a really good pick up on a free transfer.
“He’s got good experience he’s played at the highest level for Manchester City as well.
“A very effective as a goalkeeper with the ball at his feet as well, so it could fit into the style of football that Wilfred Nancy will want to implement at Celtic.”
Celtic working to sign Kasper Schmeichel replacement
Football Insider revealed on 5 December that Celtic are working to replace Schmeichel as they prepare for him to leave the club at the end of his contract.
The goalkeeper’s age is a concern for Celtic amid a growing feeling that he is heading towards the end of his career following a downturn in his performances.
Alongside their long-term preparations, there have been immediate concerns about Schmeichel‘s performances, leading to their search for a replacement.
Chris Sutton recently slammed Schmeichel for his recent displays, while fans have begun to grow frustrated by his inconsistent performances between the sticks.
In 22 appearances so far this season, the goalkeeper has kept 11 clean sheets, which is an impressive record despite the criticism of his performances.
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