Stefan Ortega Joins Manchester City On A Free Transfer

Manchester City have officially announced the signing of Stefan Ortega on a free transfer.

The German goalkeeper completed his medical and various media duties earlier this week and has now been unveiled as City's new number 18.

He has signed a three-year deal at the Etihad, keeping him at the club until at least 2025.

Earlier this month, rumours arose that the Blues were interested in bringing the shot-stopper - who was earning rave reviews in the Bundesliga - to the Etihad Stadium.

Aged 29, Stefan Ortega played his football at Arminia Bielefeld last season, where despite the club's relegation, he made the second-most saves in the division with 128.

Ortega only missed four senior games since joining the club in 2017 and even earned himself a spot on Germany's emergency call-up pool for the 2020 European Championships

After earning promotion to the Bundesliga with Bielefeld, Ortega kept 11 clean sheets and produced the third-best save ratio (69%) in his debut season.

It was clear from the moment that he was destined to be a huge success.

He even produced an assist for one particular goal - something Pep Guardiola will likely have had his eye on.

Reacting to his move to the Premier League champions, Ortega told Manchester City: “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.”  

Txiki Begiristain - Manchester City's Director of Football - has also provided his thoughts on the transfer, saying: "This is a very good deal for City. 

“Stefan has excellent pedigree – his career speaks for itself.  

“We are signing a goalkeeper who has vast experience, and he will help us in our quest for more trophies.  

“He has joined to compete with the other goalkeepers and help our youngsters, so it’s a transfer we are really pleased to have secured.”  

With Stefan Ortega's transfer, it likely means USA international, Zack Steffen will be leaving the club on loan.

The FIFA World Cup is in the Winter and Steffen will be wanting regular game-time in preparation for his exploits with the USA - something he could not get at Manchester City.

He was recently linked with a switch to the Championship and Chris Wilder's Middlesbrough, with this being his most likely destination at present.

As expected, Stefan Ortega will be playing the number two role to Ederson, but his performances in the Bundesliga will certainly keep the Brazilian on his toes.