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Report: Steffen set for big-money move to Manchester City

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One of the brightest stars of Major League Soccer and the U.S. Men’s National Team is set for a big-money move to the English Premier League.

The Athletic is reporting Columbus Crew goalkeeper Zack Steffen is in line for a move to Manchester City for somewhere between $7-10 million.

The 23-year-old is coming off his second full season as the starter in net for the Crew in which he won the Goalkeeper of the Year and earned a spot in the MLS Best XI.

In addition to thriving at the club level, Steffen’s established himself as the top contender for the USMNT’s starting goalkeeper position.

Before playing for the Crew, Steffen tried his hand at European soccer with Freiburg in Germany.

The report states Steffen would be used as a backup to Ederson at Manchester City, who is without Claudio Bravo on the goalkeeper depth chart due to an injury.

In two seasons as the Crew’s No. 1 goalkeeper, Steffen recorded 19 shutouts in 63 appearances, while picking up 28 victories for Gregg Berhalter’s side.

Comments

  1. Anyone in his shoes would take the money over MLS.

    Work hard and who knows what could happen at Man City.

    Even when Kasey Keller was bought by Spurs as #2 to Neill Sullivan, KK beat him out to take the starting spot. It could happen here too.

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  2. Why does everyone assume that Steffen will automatically get loaned out? If the article is accurate, City needs a back up because Bravo is currently injured. Also, serious question, do these Top EPL clubs pay a $7-10 million transfer fee with the intent to loan the player out immediately? I could be totally wrong, but once you get to that level fee, they see you having a more immediate impact for the club (even if it’s as the back up keeper).

    Either way, I hope this happens for Steffen and he continues to develop as the USMNT’s #1 keeper.

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  3. It’s…. rather… uh, something else that the prevailing assumption is that the U.S. number one keeper should shrink from such an opportunity- that he has no chance of ever becoming a starter for a top level club. If no one ever nuts up, it will remain absolutely 100% impossible. Amazing how much more accessible it becomes once someone does. Steffen is incredibly talented. With top flight coaching and seasoning and competing in that environment, he is certainly capable. I hope this pans out.

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    • Reality is that Ederson is City’s #1 and very good. I think hes only 24/25 years old as well so not going anywhere soon. Its incredibly unlikely he winds up as City’s #1, but that doesn’t mean he should not go. I’d prefer a move to a club that saw him as a potential starter, not a financial/business investment, but if Steffen is up to the challenge then great for him.

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      • I don’t think we disagree- it is a huge challenge. Which is why he should do it if he thinks he has the stuff and I suspect he does. I think a player needs to honestly assess himself and find the situation that works for him. If he has an elite work ethic, lots of ambition and natural talent at his level- seems to me it is an incredible opportunity and a no brainer. Things happen, Elderson is a young keeper, could slump or Steffen could thrive in the atmosphere and play out of his mind. There could be an injury. At one point- it was a long shot for every player to get to that level. Guaranteed the level of competition and training will be a huge step up from Crew. The exposure/credibility willed itself to other big moves as well.

    • Actually he wouldn’t. With Bravo hurt, City is currently carrying two U-23s (who are 20 and 21) who are not ready to play anything other than lowly cup matches as GK backups.

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  4. Go get paid son!

    Seriously though, I hope this comes to fruition for Steffen. He’ll be loaned out somewhere, but in any case he should benefit and grow.

    Unless of course this is all a long con to get him on to NYCFC…

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  5. What’s better–a starter in MLS or for a reserve Man city side? If I were him, it would be hard to turn down the money and prestige. David Ospina did well for Colombia while mostly a sub at Arsenal (now at Napoli on loan).

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    • I hear what you’re saying but no way you say no to one of the biggest clubs in the world when you’re in mls. Not to mention his salary will probably increase 10x. Who of us would turn that down?

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      • See Jack Harrison…City is stockpiling talent, loaning them out and then hoping to cash in a sale. No way he sees the first team.

      • Yup. See Miazga, EPB amd about 30 pther City signings. Nomads who go from City to whatever affiliate team they can dump those players on. From a payment standpoint its great. Cant blame anyone. From every other angle it is everything that is wrong with footballs super mega rich clubs. I know UEFA just met and r looking at rules that will stop Chelsea and Citeh like hoarding and loaning. Most of their loanees do not wind up doing all that well.
        Sounds glamorous, u get get paid, and insecure, sled loathing, inexperiences US fans eat it up. Reality is different.

      • I guess I wasn’t clear. I used the example of Ospina o show that his move to Man City wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing for him or for the USMNT. I would take the money, too. In sports you are only one bad injury away from the end of your career, so you take the money when you can.

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