Manchester City have signed German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega on a three-year deal to serve as Ederson’s No 2 between the sticks next season.
The new signing previously played for Arminia Bielefeld and will replace Zack Steffen as Ederson‘s No 2 at the Etihad Stadium.
The 29-year-old will become Pep Guardiola’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
He replaces current number two Steffen – who is expected to leave the club this summer following a disastrous season that saw him commit two blunders during City’s 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final in April.
The American still has three years on his contract at the Etihad, but he could be heading towards the exit sooner as he looks to get more minutes under his belt next term.
New signing Ortega will step in to provide cover for Manchester City’s No 1 shot-stopper, Ederson. https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1542796374021914625
However, City have stated that his ‘move is subject to international clearance.
Speaking about his deal with City, the former Arminia Bielefeld goalie said:
“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.”
Ortega also shared his thoughts on Ederson:
“I have [watched him] a lot of times. Every single week when the Champions League is on or sometimes in the Premier League,” he said.
“He has one or two assists with the long ball and that is one of the things I like about goalkeepers when they have a really good long ball. He is a good goalkeeper.’
“I think the last two years I played to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.
“So, it is totally new for me to play for a title in the Premier League, also in the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup. It is really interesting, but I am looking forward to it and I am ready.”
