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Manchester City confirm the signing of free agent Stefan Ortega on a three-year deal to replace Zack Steffen as Ederson’s No 2 between the sticks next season
- Manchester City have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Stefan Ortega
- The 29-year-old will replace Zack Steffen, 27, as Ederson’s No 2 at the Etihad
- There have also been doubts about Steffen’s future at City since his blunder
- He contributed to a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final in April
Manchester City have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Stefan Ortega on a three-year deal following his medical last week.
The 29-year-old, who previously played for Arminia Bielefeld, will replace Zack Steffen as Ederson’s No 2 at the Etihad stadium.
The experienced German will bolster City’s goalkeeping options and become Pep Guardiola’s second signing of the summer, following Erling Haaland.
Manchester City have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Stefan Ortega on a three-year
The experienced German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega will wear the No 18 shirt next season
The Citizens have signed Ortega as a potential replacement for Steffen – who could leave the club this summer following his blunder during their 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final in April.
As it stands, Steffen’s contract at the Etihad is set to expire in June 2025 but he could be heading towards the exit sooner as he looks to get more minutes under his belt next term.
As a result, Ortega will step in to provide cover for Manchester City’s No 1 shot-stopper, Ederson. However, the Premier League giants have stated that his ‘move is subject to international clearance’.
The 29-year-old will replace Zack Steffen as Ederson’s (above) No 2 at the Etihad next season
Speaking about his deal with City, the 29-year-old – who will wear the number 18 shirt – said: ‘This is a fantastic move for me. Manchester City are an amazing team – a squad with world-class quality in every area.
‘To be given the chance to join this group of players and help continue the Club’s success is a dream for me.
‘I have enjoyed my time in Germany and I want to thank the Arminia Bielefeld fans for their support. But this new challenge of coming to City and playing in the Premier League is too good for me to ignore.
‘I can’t wait to get started, meet my teammates and begin working with Pep and his backroom staff.’
Ortega also shared his thoughts on Ederson, saying: ‘I have [watched him] a lot of times. Every single week when the Champions League is on or sometimes in the Premier League.
Steffen suffered a blunder during City’s 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final in April
Ortega started all but one of Arminia Bielefeld’s Bundesliga games during the 2021-22 season
‘He has one or two assists with the long ball and that is one of the things I like about goalkeepers, when they have a really good long ball. He is a good goalkeeper.’
Ortega went on to add that he is ‘ready’ to win trophies with City. The 29-year-old said: ‘I think the last two years I played to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.
‘So, it is totally new for me to play for a title in the Premier League, also in the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup. It is really interesting, but I am looking forward to it and I am ready.’
Ortega started all but one of Arminia Bielefeld’s Bundesliga matches last season and played an ever-present role in their 2021-2022 campaign.
However, he was unable to prevent Arminia from being relegated, conceding 53 goals in 33 games and keeping just six clean sheets.
Ortega was also on standby for Germany’s Euro 2020 squad and has been previously linked with a move to Bayern Munich as a back-up to Manuel Neuer, according to Goal.
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