It was certainly not his fault: Stefan Ortega keeps the box clean as best he can at Arminia Bielefeld, but his club is still relegated. But things are looking up for the goalkeeper with his move to Manchester City: Under Pep Guardiola, the 29-year-old has long since not only wanted to be a substitute keeper.
Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega's move from Bundesliga relegated Arminia Bielefeld to English soccer champions Manchester City is perfect. The 29-year-old signed a three-year contract with the club coached by Pep Guardiola and striker Erling Haaland, who was brought in from Dortmund.
Although Ortega is expected to be the number two behind the Brazilian national goalkeeper Ederson, he can still hope for a few appearances due to the large number of competitive games in England and the local culture of often relying on the reserve goalkeeper in cup games. "I believe that I can play a more important role at City than many people give me credit for," said Ortega. "My development is definitely not over yet."
After his contract expired, the German-Spaniard was rumored to be number two at champions FC Bayern Munich and regular keeper at Bundesliga returnees FC Schalke 04. "Over the last year I've had to deal with different club options," he said now: "It's all the nicer now to have this feeling that waiting and trusting in the right solution will ultimately result in this contract." He thanked Arminia Bielefeld fans, "but City and the Premier League were just too good for me to turn down. I can't wait to get started, meet my team-mates and work with Pep and his staff."
Manchester sporting director Txiki Begiristain described the transfer as "a very good deal for City". Ortega, who was born near Kassel and was traded for the national team before, played for Arminia for a total of twelve years. "Of course we are incredibly proud that a player trained in the Akademinia is now playing for the big trophies in one of the best teams in the world," tweeted the East Westphalians.
