It was an expected move since Pep Guardiola incorporated the German goalkeeper of Spanish origin Stefan Ortega into his squad on July 1, free from Arminia Bielefeld, and finally today Manchester City has officially announced the transfer of the American goalkeeper Zack Steffen to Middlesbrough , of the English Second Division, until June 30, 2023.
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Steffen, 27, was the substitute for the undisputed Emerson Moraes in the City goal. Guardiola has used him in cup matches and with him under the sticks the ‘citizens’ won the Carabao Cup in 2021, but in the last semi-final of the FA Cup, lost on April 16 at Wembley against Liverpool (2-3) , failed resoundingly in one of the ‘reds’ goals by relying on control with his foot and being surprised by Sadio Mané.
Steffen was already on loan for one season at the German Fortuna Düsseldorf, 2019-2020, immediately after signing him with the City of the Columbus Crew of the MLS.
Now, with his departure to Middlesbrough, Steffen hopes that this new stage will help him compete with the goal of being the starter for the United States team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. “Everyone knows his situation. He needed to play because of the World Cup,” Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder said.
“He had a deal with Manchester City, but he could easily have stayed there and sit comfortably as their number 2. He wanted out and he agreed to come here. I think it’s a big blow for us,” Wilder said.
renewed in november
In fact Steffen renewed his contract with City in November committing until June 30, 2025 but, with the arrival of Ortega, the American goalkeeper was going to have even fewer minutes, hence Guardiola has agreed to his loan. Meanwhile, the veteran Scott Carson, 36, renewed in June until 2023 and remains the third option in the City goal.