Man City’s Ortega lined up as potential Flekken replacement at Leverkusen

The former DSC Arminia Bielefeld shot-stopper could return to the Bundesrepublik if Bayer 04 decide to act now.

According to Kicker.de, Bayer Leverkusen is considering three candidates to replace the injured Mark Flekken.

Although second choice Janis Blaswich is trusted to take over goalkeeping duties, Simon Rolfes appears to have other ideas. 

The club’s managing director of sport was recently quoted saying “we might do something” alluding to the transfer market.

Unsurprisingly, Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega is on the list, having already been linked as a successor to Lukas Hradecky last summer.

The Sky Blues’ third-choice goalkeeper is reportedly available for a free transfer in the winter, making him an attractive option.

Due to the local player rule, Ortega would not take away a Champions League squad place reserved for foreign players.

However, should a transfer for Ortega fall through, Kicker lists Ortega’s teammate James Trafford and Chelsea’s Filip Jörgensen as alternatives.

Both need playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup this summer and a loan deal would be conceivable for both.