Manchester City are on the verge of signing German-Spanish goalkeeper Stefan Ortega on a free transfer from Arminia Bielefeld according to Fabrizio Romano. The two parties have a verbal agreement in place as they’re looking to replace Zack Steffen. Ortega had other proposals – including, according to some reports, Bayern Munich – but has chosen City.
Ortega, 29, was born in Hofgeismar in Germany and has spent his entire career at Arminia save for a three-year stint with 1860 Munich. He played 33 games in the Bundesliga in 2021/22 as Arminia finished 17th of 18 teams and were relegated. He kept six clean sheets and conceded 53 goals.
City won the Premier League last season, their fourth in five years, but failed once again in the Champions League. Pep Guardiola will hope to strengthen his squad further this summer and increase competition for every position. Bringing in someone of Ortega’s calibre is a wise move seeing as it’s likely Steffen will be leaving for pastures new.
Stefan Ortega has a verbal agreement in place with Manchester City. He's now waiting for the green light from the club, as they're looking for a solution for Zack Steffen. 🔵 #MCFC
Ortega has other proposals but he's waiting for City as second goalkeeper. pic.twitter.com/fXWBRonCyE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2022
