Pep Guardiola has put an end to speculation surrounding Manchester City’s goalkeeping situation, confirming that both Ederson and Stefan Ortega will remain with the Premier League champions next season despite both entering the final year of their contracts.
“We have spoken about the situation regarding squad planning and the two goalkeepers we have will continue,” Guardiola told reporters at a golf event in Catalonia on Monday, indicating City are unlikely to pursue new options between the posts this summer.
The announcement comes as City prepare for their upcoming FIFA Club World Cup campaign, with their first match against Moroccan side Wydad AC scheduled for June 18. While a transfer window remains open until June 10, Guardiola appears content with his current goalkeeping duo, who have shared responsibilities at the Etihad Stadium for several seasons.
When questioned about reported interest in Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who has been linked with Arsenal and Barcelona, Guardiola acknowledged the player’s quality but downplayed City’s involvement: “Joan Garcia is a really good goalkeeper, but City are linked with 500 players in every transfer window. The references we have are very good.”
City’s Club World Cup preparations have been complicated by injury concerns, with Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic set to undergo heel surgery that will sideline him until the start of next season. Guardiola had previously hinted at managing the player’s condition when he left him out of the FA Cup final squad as a precaution.
Additionally, promising youngster James McAtee will not join the squad for the tournament in the United States. The 22-year-old midfielder will instead link up with England’s Under-21 squad ahead of the European Championships in Slovakia, following an impressive loan spell at Sheffield United last season.
The stability in City’s goalkeeping department contrasts with changes elsewhere in the squad, as captain İlkay Gündoğan departed last summer and speculation continues regarding the futures of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. For Guardiola, maintaining continuity in goal appears to be a priority as City aim to become the first English club to win the expanded Club World Cup format while preparing to defend their Premier League crown for a fifth consecutive season.
