There are new updates on the Manchester City goalkeeper front as Stefan Ortega is set to join the club whereas Zack Steffen is set to depart on loan, according to Fabrizio Romano. Ortega will be signing a long-term contract after leaving Arminia Bielefeld on a free transfer. Steffen will be heading to Middlesbrough on a year-long loan until next summer.
Manchester City goalkeepers update: Stefan Ortega will soon sign his long term contract on a free transfer as new second GK, Zack Steffen’s set to join Middlesbrough. 🔵 #MCFC
Steffen will leave on loan until June 2023, as @TyMarshall_MEN said. It’s almost done with Boro. https://t.co/lkRkppvqQr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2022
Manchester City Goalkeeper Movement Almost Complete
An Arrival and a Departure
Ortega joins City as an experienced Bundesliga goalkeeper. Last season, he made 33 league appearances for Arminia. Ortega conceded 53 goals and kept just six clean sheets. The season prior, 2020/21, Ortega made 34 league appearances while conceding 54 goals and keeping 11 clean sheets. Arminia and Ortega had been playing in the second division of German football prior to 2020, and that first Bundesliga season was Ortega’s best. At 29-years-old, Ortega is ready to bring back-up duties behind a decorated goalkeeper in Ederson.
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Steffen, on the other hand, is clearly in search of a bigger role for the time being. He’s known as the number one goalkeeper for the United States National Team, although Matt Turner, now a part of Arsenal, has given Steffen stiff competition for that role. For that reason, Steffen is likely out to prove his starting role for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup. Steffen rarely saw the pitch since moving to City in 2020. The bulk of his appearances came in the FA Cup, where he conceded nine goals in nine matches over the past two seasons. A more stable role with Middlesbrough will help him develop further and return to City as an even better player next season.
Source can confirm: USMNT goalkeeper Zack Steffen is in advanced talks to join Championship side Middlesbrough on loan from Manchester City. Deal likely to get done. @TyMarshall_MEN first.
Steffen wanted the move for regular playing time. Manchester City agreed. pic.twitter.com/vRfazbL0xB
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) June 28, 2022
