Zack Steffen Seeking Improved Game Time Ahead of Potential Manchester City Exit

Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen is desiring regular first-team football to assure a starting spot for the World Cup in Qatar later this year, as per a new report.

The USMNT star joined the Premier League champions in 2019 and spent the following season on loan in Germany before returning to the Etihad Stadium.

Steffen has made 21 appearances for Manchester City since 2020 and despite warming the bench for large periods, the 27-year-old has regularly come in to feature in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Zack Steffen in Manchester City action (Image: Sportimage / Alamy)

With Ederson establishing himself as a crucial member of Pep Guardiola's squad, minutes have been hard to come by for Steffen, who has three years remaining on his current contract at the Etihad Stadium.

The Brazilian's ability on the ball has helped revolutionise Manchester City's style of play after the struggles faced by the Blues in Pep Guardiola's first season in charge.

Manchester City have recently been linked with a swoop for Arminia Bielefeld shotstopper Stefan Ortega to increase competition between the sticks ahead of the new campaign.

Stefan Ortega in action in the Bundesliga (Image: dpa picture alliance / Alamy)

The Blues have already closed deals for Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez in their bid to compete on all fronts after retaining the Premier League title last season.

Moves for Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella and Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips have also been mooted after chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak confirmed in his end-of-season interview there will be further additions.

Sources close to City have pointed out Ortega is being pursued to bolster competition for Ederson and not necessarily as Steffen's replacement.

Stefan Ortega in action in the Bundesliga (Image: Alamy)

According to a new report by Chris Wheeler of The Daily Mail, Zack Steffen desires regular first-team football next season to assure a starting spot for the USMNT ahead of the World Cup.

With Ortega available on a free transfer this summer, Pep Guardiola has identified the 29-year-old German has a potential replacement should Steffen choose to leave City.

It has been mentioned that doubts have risen over Steffen's future at the Etihad Stadium since his blunder in Manchester City's 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in last season's FA Cup semi final at Wembley.

It remains to be seen what the coming weeks hold for Steffen as Manchester City are looking to get as much transfer business done as possible before jetting off to the United States for pre-season in July.