While Zack Steffen was largely appreciated by a majority of the Manchester City fanbase, his underwhelming displays in the FA Cup last season is when things largely went pear-shaped for the 27 year-old.
During the quarter-final clash against Southampton, the former Columbus Crew goalkeeper was the main culprit for the Saints’ equaliser right before half-time.
But it was in Manchester City’s 3-1 semi-final defeat against Liverpool which seemed like the final nail in the coffin for Zack Steffen’s immediate career in the North-West.
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The stand-in goalkeeper was culpable for two out of the three goals conceded by the Sky Blues on the day, as he provided anything but Ederson’s calming presence during his absence.
As a result, it comes as no surprise to now understand that Manchester City are set to finalise a move for Bundesliga goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, with a medical scheduled this week.
The 29-year old has all but confirmed the move via Instagram, by sending a farewell message to his now former club Arminia Bielefeld.
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Despite Zack Steffen penning a brand new contract until the summer of 2025 in November of last year, a major question mark hangs around his future at Manchester City.
New details have emerged around the next career step in line for the under-fire USMNT international, confirming more recent suggestions that one Championship club are set to win his signature for the new season.
As per a report by Pol Ballus of the Athletic, Zack Steffen is likely to head out on loan in the summer.
Further details claim that while a sale has not been ‘ruled out’, Manchester City are ‘exploring’ a loan stint for the goalkeeper that helps accelerate his development.
It has also been stated that all parties involved believe a ‘new challenge’ is necessary for the player in the 2022/23 season.
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This aligns with Martin Blackburn of the Sun’s revelation, that suggests that a one-year loan deal looks like a likely option for Steffen.
Both of the aforementioned reports from reliable sources would also back up fresh developments on Tuesday afternoon.
The feeling in various quarters is that Zack Steffen will be joining Championship outfit Middlesbrough for the new season on loan.
Ultimately, it has been mentioned that Steffen is open to an exit from Manchester City, in a bid to boost his game time as that increases his chances of solidifying his chances of starting in goal for the USMNT in Qatar.
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Stefan Ortega is set to be brought in as the brand-new second-choice goalkeeper behind Ederson for next term.
Aside from being an excellent shotstopper, the German star is also excellent with the ball at his feet - which arguably makes him a much more natural fit under Pep Guardiola than Zack Steffen.
With Manchester City’s track record in terms of their recruitment being largely satisfactory, it is likely that Stefan Ortega will be a success, which could eventually spell an end to Zack Steffen’s time at the club.
Elsewhere, Gabriel Jesus has been pictured greeting Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar as his medical has been reported to be completed.
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Other potential outgoings could include Raheem Sterling - whose move to Chelsea seems imminent, and Oleksandr Zinchenko - who is the subject of interest within and outside of the Premier League.
Featured Image Credit: Sportimage / AlamyTopics: Zack Steffen, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, USA, Transfers, Football