Manchester City have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Stephen Ortega.
The 29-year-old German has agreed to a three-year deal after his contract expires at Etihad Stadium in Bielefeld, Armenia.
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Sources told ESPN that Ortega’s arrival means United States goalkeeper Zac Stephens has been allowed to join Middlesbrough on loan for the championship, although the deal has not yet been finalized.
Ortega, who has played 220 matches in two spells in Billefeld, Armenia, will join Pep Guardiola’s squad for the pre-season tour of the United States.
“It’s a great move for me,” he said. “Manchester City is an amazing team, a world-class team in every field.
“It is a dream for me to have the opportunity to join this group of players and to help the club continue to succeed.” I have enjoyed my time in Germany and I would like to thank the fans of Armenia Bielefeld for their support.
But it’s great for me to come to City and ignore this new challenge of playing in the Premier League. I can’t wait to get started, meet my teammates and work with Pep and his backroom staff.
Ortega will face first-choice Ederson and 36-year-old Scott Carson next season.
Stephen, who has played 21 first-team matches since coming to Etihad in 2020, is poised to go on loan to find more regular first-team football and increase his chances of starting for the United States at the World Cup in Qatar. November