Stefan Ortega has joined Manchester City on a free transfer. The former Arminia Bielefeld goalkeeper is expected to become The Sky Blues’ second goalkeeper, following the loan departure of Zack Steffen.
We are pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Moreno on a three-year deal 🧤
Welcome to City, Stefan! 💙
Read more ⤵️
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 1, 2022
Stefan Ortega to Manchester City
Goalkeeper Switcheroo
It’s now official that Stefan Ortega has joined Manchester City, after a period of rumours. The 29-year-old German has signed a three-year deal. The signing coincides well with Zack Steffen leaving for Middlesbrough in the search of more playing time.
Read More: Manchester City Goalkeeper News: One in and One Out
Only Yann Sommer (131) made more saves in the Bundesliga last season than Manchester City-bound Stefan Ortega (128).
Trusty hands. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/fyI8xX33dV
— Amos Murphy (@AmosMurphy_) June 23, 2022
From Germany’s Third Division to the Premier League
Following short stints with TSV Jahn Calden, KSV Baunatal and Hessen Kassel throughout his youth, Stefan Ortega joined Arminia Bielefeld as a 14-year-old. Here he enjoyed his first long-time stretch. Ortega made his senior debut after four years in their youth system, struggling to get playing time from start in the first few years of his professional career.
Regardless, the German was a part of the Arminia squad that won promotion to the 2. Bundesliga. In 2014, Ortega signed for TSV 1860 Munich where he quickly became the first-choice goalkeeper. He returned to Arminia in 2017, enjoying a more successful spell than previously, being promoted to the Bundesliga.
Ortega has been good in their Bundesliga season, despite Arminia themselves struggling – an indication of a solid goalkeeper. Now, his solidity has been rewarded by being signed by Manchester City, one of the best clubs in the world.
Read More: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
Unfortunately for Ortega, the German goalkeeper scene is so oversaturated that even great keepers like him are unlikely to be given a chance for the national team. He was named as a potential reserve for Germany’s UEFA Euro 2020 squad, but only if Manuel Neuer, Bernd Leno or Kevin Trapp were unable to participate.
