Bayer Leverkusen Have ‘Already Made Contact’ to Sign Man City Star for Just £6m – Report | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen Line Up Stefan Ortega as Plan B to Garcia Goalkeeping Pursuit

As Bayer Leverkusen push towards a new chapter under Xabi Alonso, a defining decision awaits between the sticks. The departure of Matej Kovar, signalled by his omission in the DFB-Pokal defeat to Bielefeld, has sparked an urgent hunt for a reliable number one. While Alex Garcia remains the primary target, Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega has now emerged as a serious alternative, according to Bild.

The German publication reports that Leverkusen have already made contact with Ortega’s camp. The 32-year-old City backup is under contract until 2026 but is open to more consistent first-team opportunities. With just 10 appearances across all competitions this season, Ortega remains a dependable figure, but one whose talents are increasingly wasted on the bench behind Ederson.

“Leverkusen has already inquired about Ortega and made contact,” notes Bild, indicating serious intent from the Bundesliga leaders. Ortega’s experience, physical profile, and Bundesliga familiarity make him a natural fit for a side seeking continuity and maturity in goal.

Photo IMAGO

Garcia Remains Top Priority – But Time Is Ticking

Garcia, currently of Girona and enjoying a standout La Liga campaign, is the dream acquisition for Alonso’s side. Aged just 26 and standing at 1.91m, he ticks every box for a long-term number one.

In North London, Garcia would only serve as a deputy to David Raya, Spain’s established No.1. That’s a non-starter for a goalkeeper in his prime years. “Garcia is also being courted by Arsenal. In London, however, he would only be a backup,” Bild writes. It’s why Leverkusen may hold the advantage – but only if they can act quickly and decisively.

Ortega becomes even more relevant if Garcia delays or reconsiders. Despite being shorter by six centimetres, the Manchester City man offers vast top-level experience and immediate readiness. Bild rightly states: “Ortega would be a top alternative to Garcia.”

Ortega Ticks Key Boxes for Leverkusen

From a squad-building perspective, Ortega’s appeal is enhanced by more than just his pedigree. His status as a “local player” adds crucial value in the Bundesliga’s registration rules. And while he’s firmly second choice at the Etihad, his technical quality and calm distribution have often shone when called upon by Pep Guardiola.

Ortega’s potential price tag – reportedly between €5m and €8m – is modest by today’s standards, particularly for a Champions League-level club. For a 32-year-old with a proven record in both Germany and England, this could represent one of the shrewdest signings of the summer.

Photo: IMAGO

Hradecky, now 35 and entering the final year of his deal, is expected to mentor his replacement before stepping back. That plan suits someone like Ortega perfectly. He’s a seasoned campaigner, accustomed to rotation and pressure, and could serve as a leader from day one at the BayArena.

Guardiola Unlikely to Block Exit

While Manchester City may prefer to keep Ortega as backup, they are unlikely to stand in the way if he seeks a new challenge. Guardiola has always been pragmatic when it comes to player ambition, and City have already been linked to younger goalkeepers in preparation for succession.

With Ederson still performing at elite level and the club’s academy well-resourced, Ortega’s potential departure would not represent a crisis. On the contrary, it could be the next logical step in a smartly managed career.

As Bild suggests, “Leverkusen is looking for a goalkeeper who will immediately assume a starting role.” Ortega fits the bill, especially if Garcia’s deal doesn’t come to fruition. The German is unlikely to demand a long bedding-in period, and with Champions League football beckoning, his experience could be pivotal.

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From a Manchester City fan’s point of view, this news lands with mixed emotions. Ortega has never been just a reserve keeper. Every time he’s pulled on the shirt, he’s brought calmness, sharp reflexes, and composure – whether it’s in domestic cups or the occasional Premier League cameo. He’s been exactly the kind of dependable figure City have needed when Ederson has been unavailable.

But there’s a growing recognition that Ortega deserves more. “He’d walk into most Bundesliga starting line-ups,” one City fan posted online recently – and they’re not wrong. The fact that Xabi Alonso wants a no-nonsense, ready-to-go option says everything about Ortega’s profile.

Should City cash in for €5-8 million, it wouldn’t be poor business. But there would be a quiet appreciation for what Ortega has done – a player who’s never complained, always delivered. The key now is whether City will replace him with someone equally trustworthy. Ortega going to Leverkusen would be a win for him, and a reminder that smart squad depth always has market value.