Manchester City to loan Zack Steffen to Bundesliga team
The Premier League champions are currently deciding on the future of former Columbus Crew keeper, who could play for Fortune Dusseldorf for next season.
On Saturday, Zack Steffen said goodbye to the MAPFRE Stadium after playing his last game with Columbus Crew SC, with the goalkeeper now set to complete his transfer to the Premier League Champions, Manchester City.
However, he might not set foot in the Etihad, at least not this season. According to Paul Tenorio from The Athletic, Steffen will head out on loan to Bundesliga side Fortuna Dusseldorf, with Dusseldorf officials flying to Washington DC, where Steffen is currently training with the USMNT, to finalize the loan deal.
The 24-year-old keeper joined the Citizens during the winter transfer window for $10 million, but remained in the MLS for half a season. At Fortuna, Steffen is expected to compete for the starting position with Michael Rensing, Dusseldorf's first choice last season.
Bundesliga
In Germany, Zack Steffen will join several of his MLS teammates like Tyler Adams and Alphonso Davies, and the US international Weston McKennie, in what will be a return of sorts to where his professional career started.
Gold Cup
Steffen is preparing for the 2019 Gold Cup with the US men's national team, where he is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper. Moreover, he needs more appearances to get a UK work permit, and has only played eight games with the Stars and Stripes since his debut in 2018. According to the current rules, Steffen must have played 60% of the USMNT matches over the previous two years to play in England.
The USMNT will face Jamaica on Wednesday at Audi Field in Washington DC (19:00ET), before facing Venezuela on Sunday in Cincinnati prior to the Gold Cup.