Can a Lazio goalkeeper be the replacement for Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega?

Could Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas be the replacement for Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega if the German goalkeeper leaves the world champions this summer? Any move by Manchester City for another goalkeeper is entirely dependent on what happens with Stefan Ortega this summer.

Jack Gaughan previously reported for the Daily Mail that Ortega wants a summer resolution on his future. Furthermore, Gaughan reports that Manchester City and Ortega have reached an impasse over talks over a new contract. Gaughan also reported that financial terms and contract length are two factors that have caused contract talks to reach an impasse. Gaughan also says Ortega also wants an opportunity to be the number one goalie at this stage of his career. With Ederson currently City’s number one goalkeeper, it means Ortega’s future at Manchester City is in doubt.

With Stefan Ortega’s future at the club in doubt, a recent report indicates that Manchester City may have identified a target for the back-up goalkeeper role. Corriere dello Sport report that City could move for Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas. In addition, Corriere dello Sport adds that Mandas’ impressive performances over the past two months have attracted the attention of several clubs. They also report that Manchester City are one of the clubs monitoring the Lazio goalkeeper.

While Manchester City have identified a possible replacement for Stefan Ortega, any move for a new goalkeeper depends entirely on Ortega’s future plans. If the German goalkeeper stays with the world champions, then City will move on to other priorities in the summer transfer market.

However, if Ortega leaves Manchester City, then City’s hand will be forced in the transfer market. Given that Christos Mandas has also attracted attention with age and the opportunity to improve, he could become a contender for the role of back-up goalkeeper in Pep Guardiola’s side. It’s a situation that depends entirely on what happens with Stefan Ortega this summer.

The equation seems simple enough. If Ortega moves, City will move for a backup keeper. If he doesn’t, Manchester City probably won’t sign another goalkeeper.