In a significant summer transfer development, Manchester City have formally informed backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega that he is no longer in their long-term plans and must seek a new club before the transfer window closes. This decision arrives amidst changes in the club’s goalkeeping department, highlighted by the acquisition of young talent James Trafford. This update was shared by well-known Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed that Ortega has been advised to explore new opportunities as Trafford’s integration into the squad becomes official. In other transfer headlines, Saudi Arabian club NEOM SC is actively pushing to secure the signing of 19-year-old French prospect Saïmon Bouabré from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco. The clubs have reached an agreement involving a €10 million transfer fee, plus an additional €2 million in performance-based add-ons, along with a sell-on clause that would benefit Monaco in any future transfer deal involving the player. While the clubs have agreed on terms, the final decision now rests with Bouabré himself, who is currently in talks with NEOM SC to iron out personal terms and contractual conditions. The young winger is expected to make a decision shortly. Elsewhere, Premier League side Everton remain in a holding pattern as they await a final verdict from Malick Fofana, the talented winger whose primary goal is to play in the UEFA Champions League. His ambitions are influencing the timeline of the transfer, leaving Everton’s top brass considering alternate targets. In light of the delay, Everton have shifted their attention to potential alternatives, including Assane Diao and Takefusa Kubo, both of whom currently play for Serie A side Como. However, Como have already rejected a recent offer for Assane Diao, indicating that they are not eager to part with their star forward at this time.
