Manchester City in advanced talks with MLS club over goalkeeper exit

MLS side Colorado Rapids are in advanced talks with Manchester City over the signing of USA men’s international goalkeeper Zack Steffen, according to reports.

The now 28-year-old shot-stopper originally joined Manchester City for a transfer fee estimated to have been set at $7 million in 2019 – a figure Columbus Crew said at the time to be “the largest in club history and most ever received by an MLS club for a goalkeeper”.

Following a loan spell in Germany with Fortuna Dusseldorf, Zack Steffen returned to the Etihad Stadium for the 2020/21 season and acted as the understudy to Ederson for most parts of the campaign, featuring in cup fixtures whilst also making top-level tournament debuts.

Following a turbulent time at the club since, including a disastrous appearance in the 2022 FA Cup final against Liverpool, Steffen joined Championship side Middlesbrough on loan for the following season, before a serious knee injury prevented a further move this season.

With no action for Manchester City this season, and recovery from knee surgery ongoing, a new development on Zack Steffen’s professional footballing career has emerged this week, linking him with a move back to the United States.

That is according to the information of The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, who reveals that Colorado Rapids are now in advanced talks over a deal to sign Manchester City’s Zack Steffen. While a deal is not yet done, it is highlighted that talks are progressing.

The Colorado club are currently managed by former Manchester United and Leeds United assistant manager Chris Armas, and owned by the American businessman Stan Kroenke – who also owns Premier League giants Arsenal.

Steffen’s move to the USA could be the first major first-team transfer completed around the January transfer window, with uncertainty also looming over defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips, with the England international also highly likely to find an exit.