Stefan Ortega signs new one-year contract extension at Man City after EIGHT months of negotiations… as club chief brands him ‘the BEST No 2 we’ve ever had’

Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has signed a one-year contract extension, bringing to an end uncertainty over his future in England after eight months of negotiations.

Mail Sport revealed in April that Ortega had reached an impasse with the Premier League champions over a new deal, with discussions having been ongoing for well over six months at that point.

But both sides have now found a resolution and his extension will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2026.

‘Definitely [it’s a proud moment],’ Ortega said. ‘It’s now two years ago when I signed for City and what has happened in these two years is incredible.

‘I think, just me as a person, I am a completely different person now than two years ago and that means a lot for me.’

Mail Sport revealed in April how the two parties had reached an impasse in their negotiations

A deal has now been agreed, however, with the German set to stay at the Etihad until the summer of 2026

Ortega is eager to get an opportunity to play regularly as the No 1 and with doubts over Ederson this summer amid interest from the Saudi Pro League, Ortega has bet on himself at City.

The 31-year-old made 20 appearances last season across all competitions and was an ever-present in the FA Cup campaign that saw City reach a second-successive final, before losing out to Manchester United.

Ortega also featured three times in the UEFA Champions League, including the quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid, while also making one of the biggest saves of City’s season away to Tottenham to help secure a fourth-successive league title.

‘This is a football club that provides players with everything we need to be our best,’ Ortega added.

‘Every single day I feel motivated and challenged, and I have improved as a goalkeeper since coming here two years ago.

‘My family are really settled here in England, I love everything about it here. Signing this deal means I can now focus 100% on next season and beyond.’

Ortega is keen to push City No 1 Ederson (pictured) for a starting spot at the club next term

City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said Ortega is ‘the best No 2 goalkeeper we’ve ever had’

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: ‘This is a crucial contract extension for Manchester City.

‘Stefan is the best No 2 goalkeeper we’ve ever had, providing us with quality, stability and experience.

‘He is such a talented goalkeeper – our goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor tells me all the time how good Stefan is. He is very skilled and it’s clear that since his arrival here he has contributed significantly to our success.’