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COLUMBUS, OHIO – OCTOBER 13: Zack Steffen #13 of the United States prepares for a shot on goal during the second half of a 2022 World Cup Qualifying match against Costa Rica at Lower.com Field on October 13, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Getty
COLUMBUS, OHIO – OCTOBER 13: Zack Steffen #13 of the United States prepares for a shot on goal during the second half of a 2022 World Cup Qualifying match against Costa Rica at Lower.com Field on October 13, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
USMNT keeper Zack Steffen has had a rough year at Manchester City. The 27-year-old made just nine appearances for the Premier League club last season and has now seemingly lost his spot as the number 1 for his nation. Nevertheless, things look like they might be getting better.
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It wasn’t always this bad, as Steffen was Pep Guardiola’s trusted deputy and played in all cup competitions for the club. However, in his two seasons with Man City, Steffen has only played 20 times, and it’s only going to get worse next season if he doesn’t leave the club.
With several reports linking him to a loan move to other clubs, it seems like Steffen has finally made a breakthrough and might still make it to the World Cup in Qatar as the number one for the USMNT.
Manchester City line up a move for Stefan Ortega
City have been linked with a move for Arminia Bielefeld goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. Ortega’s contract with Bielefeld ended in June, and hence the German goalkeeper is free to sign for the blues this month. He would serve as a deputy to perennial number one Ederson at the club.
Ortega did have several other clubs interested in him from Germany and Spain, but the 29-year-old will choose City over all of them. According to a few reports, he has already agreed on a deal with Manchester City and will be announced very soon.
Zack Steffen linked with a move to Middlesbrough
This transfer was accelerated by the fact that Steffen is close to getting a move of his own. The American goalkeeper has been heavily linked with English Championship club Middlesbrough, who finished seventh in the league last season.
They will look to mount a charge in England’s second-tier as they chase promotion. Steffen will join the club on a loan move for a year, after which all parties will assess the situation and make a decision. This move will guarantee him some much needed playing time, which would be a bonus for the USMNT as well.