Stefan Ortega is close to joining Manchester City on a three-year contract from Arminia Bielefeld on a free transfer, according to reports from Germany.
If there is one player without whom Pep Guardiola’s intricate system could potentially fall to pieces, it is Ederson without question.
The Brazil international’s impeccable range of passing coupled with his proactive sweeping skills has made him the archetypal fit for Manchester City since his arrival to the Etihad Stadium in 2017.
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While some amongst the fanbase may take the 28-year-old’s presence for granted at times, Ederson's absence was certainly felt in City’s 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final last season.
Zack Steffen’s uneasiness on the ball in particular stood out, as he was culpable for two of the Reds’ three strikes while Ederson was sorely missed by the Premier League champions on the day.
As a result, it makes sense on all levels that City are on the verge of upgrading their second-choice goalkeeper by closing in on the signing of Arminia Bielefeld Stefan Ortega.
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It has been revealed the German himself is keen on joining Pep Guardiola's side - to the extent that he has reportedly rejected offers from Spain and Germany ahead of the new campaign.
With a recent report mentioning Zack Steffen is also eyeing a move elsewhere to cement his place as the USMNT’s starting goalkeeper in Qatar, the rationale behind the interest in Ortega certainly checks out.
A fresh update has emerged on Friday morning that reveals that the 29-year-old’s arrival in Manchester is imminent.
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As per the latest information provided by Florian Plettenburg of Sky Deutschland, Stefan Ortega is set to sign a three-year deal with Manchester City, with a medical expected to take place next week.
Ortega is said to sign as a free agent to challenge Ederson between the sticks as his contract with Arminia Bielefeld expires this summer.
Ultimately, this is excellent business from Manchester City as Ortega was considered as one of the best players in his position in the Bundesliga last season.
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The City-bound shotstopper held the unique distinction of making the most saves (125) as well as the most passes (1,674) in the German top-flight last term - key numbers providing an insight into how comprehensive his skillset is.
Fitting the bill of a goalkeeper in a side managed by Pep Guardiola with his inch-perfect distribution and astute sweeping skills, the German's coup may be the most under-the-radar, but a key part of Manchester City’s summer business.
With Ortega’s game expected to elevate upon his arrival at the Etihad Stadium, only time will tell whether he does push Ederson for a starting spot.
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As things stand, all signs appear to point to his possible signing as being an extremely encouraging one, with Ortega expected to step in for City in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup should Steffen seek an exit.
Elsewhere, the English giants are continuing their pursuit of Leeds' Kalvin Phillips and Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella, while all of Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Oleksandr Zinchenko continue to be linked with moves away from the Etihad Stadium.
Topics: Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester City, Stefan Ortega, Ederson, Zack Steffen, Nicolas Pepe, Premier League, Bundesliga
Srinivas Sadhanand