Pep Guardiola has refused to rest on his laurels, with the Catalan coach continuing to strengthen his squad despite having recently won their fourth Premier League title in five years last month.
Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has become Manchester City’s latest addition to the squad, with the 29 year-old signing on a free transfer from Bundesliga side Arminia Bielefeld.
The German, who conceded 53 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, joins the Sky Blues on a three-year contract, and is set to play as understudy to Ederson - who won his third successive Premier League Golden Glove award in May.
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Ortega boasted the second highest save percentage in Germany last season, and moves to the Etihad Stadium with a wealth of experience, having moved through the ranks at Arminia Bielefeld.
The 29 year-old - who has penned a deal until 2025 - replaces goalkeeper Zack Steffen, as the USMNT international closes in on a season-long loan move to Middlesbrough, after a frustrating campaign with the Blues.
Steffen made nine appearances for Manchester City during the 2021/22 season, including the FA Cup Semi-Final defeat to Liverpool, and has reportedly looked for a move in search of consistent minutes ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
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Manchester City have since announced Steffen’s replacement, with Ortega relishing the challenge to compete with Ederson, and also playing alongside a familiar opponent, striker Erling Haaland.
The Norway international joined Manchester City earlier this summer for an initial £51 million, and the former Dortmund striker has previously come up against the Blues’ new signing.
“An outstanding player; the body shape, his technique, shooting, headers, he had everything," Ortega said of his new Manchester City teammate Haaland.
"BUT, he didn’t score against me in the Bundesliga, so…” joked the 29 year-old goalkeeper during his first interview with the club.
Erling Haaland joins a continually growing list of superstars at the Etihad Stadium, and Stefan Ortega has touched on his delight about no longer having to face one of Europe’s most prolific strikers, and having the opportunity to join a Manchester City squad of ‘world class’ players.
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“For me, it’s a new situation."
"Here it’s just quite good players, world (class) players. He is also one of the world (class) players. I’m looking forward, really,” said the Sky Blues’ newest signing.
Ortega is expected to be a part of Pep Guardiola’s squad when they travel to the US for pre-season next month.
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The new incoming at the Etihad Stadium could play a part against familiar opposition in the States, as Bayern Munich are one of two pre-season friendly opponents scheduled.
The other, and first rival for the tour, is Mexican side Club America.
The German goalkeeper's competitive debut could however come against Liverpool in the FA Community Shield at the King Power Stadium on July 30th.
Featured Image Credit: dpa picture alliance / AlamyTopics: Stefan Ortega, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Bundesliga, Erling Haaland, Transfers, Football
