Premier League champions Manchester City have completed a Bosman move to sign 29-year-old German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega in a three-year deal.
Premier League champions Manchester City have made an official statement to confirm that they have secured the services of Stefan Ortega in a Bosman move. The 29-year-old had become a free agent after leaving Arminia Bielefeld and has put pen to a three-year contract at the Etihad.
Stefan Ortega has spent his entire professional career thus far in Germany, including two spells with Arminia Bielefeld. The German goalkeeper spent his formative years with four clubs before graduating from the Arminia Bielefeld academy. And he established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the Bundesliga during his second stint with Die Blauen.
During his second stint with Arminia Bielefeld, the 29-year-old featured prominently and was one of the rare shining lights for the club as they went down to the second division. But Ortega’s stint at Bielefelder Alm ended this summer as he ran down his contract with Arminia Bielefeld to become a free agent. And he has now joined Manchester City.
Manchester City did not pursue Ortega to sign him as a competitor for Ederson Moraes. The experienced goalkeeper instead moves to the Etihad as a replacement for Zack Steffen, who will embark on a loan spell to Middlesbrough in the summer transfer window.
Official, confirmed. Stefan Ortega joins Manchester City on free move on a three year contract, completed as expected. ?? #MCFC
Ortega will be the new second GK with Zack Steffen set to leave on loan. Scott Carson, one more year as third GK. pic.twitter.com/WsD1SPZsgc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2022
The Premier League champions want the USMNT international to further his growth by playing regularly, which is why Steffen will move to the EFL Championship club. And Ortega will become the new deputy to Ederson, with the 29-year-old bringing a wealth of experience with him to Manchester City.
Ortega expressed his delight upon completing his move to Manchester City, saying, “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.”
While he will be a backup option for Pep Guardiola, it will be interesting to see how much value Ortega brings to the table. The 29-year-old has penned a three-year contract with Manchester City, committing himself to the English giants until June 30, 2025.
