According to a source, the Colorado Rapids are on the verge of finalizing a deal to acquire U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Zack Steffen from Manchester City. Although the agreement has not been completed yet, significant progress has been made in negotiations. Steffen has been a part of the Premier League champions for three-and-a-half years but is now poised to make a move.
After losing his position as Ederson’s backup to Stefan Ortega, who joined Manchester City from Arminia Bielefeld in 2022, Steffen spent the previous season on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough. During his time at Manchester City, he made 12 first-team appearances, with his final match being a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup semifinal in April 2022. Unfortunately, Steffen was partially at fault for Liverpool’s second goal, scored by Sadio Mané.
Despite this setback, Steffen has still achieved notable success at Manchester City. He has received Premier League winners’ medals in 2020 and 2021, contributing to the team’s triumphs. Additionally, Steffen played a crucial role in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup victory in 2021, where he kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Tottenham in the final.
Zack Steffen will now return to Major League Soccer (MLS) after spending four years at Columbus Crew from 2016 to 2019. The 28-year-old goalkeeper, hailing from Pennsylvania, has made a total of 29 appearances for the U.S. men’s national team since his debut in 2018. However, to his disappointment, Steffen was not included in the squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by coach Gregg Berhalter.
Moving to the Colorado Rapids presents a new opportunity for Steffen to showcase his skills in the MLS once again. The team’s interest in acquiring him is a testament to his abilities and reputation as a skilled goalkeeper. Steffen’s experience in European football, playing for a Premier League title-winning side like Manchester City, will undoubtedly bring valuable expertise to the Rapids. His time spent training with top-level players and competing in high-stakes matches will likely contribute to the team’s performance.
The addition of Zack Steffen to the Colorado Rapids will undoubtedly boost their defensive capabilities. His expertise and experience will enhance the team’s overall goalkeeping strategy and provide a level of stability between the posts. Steffen’s familiarity with international football will also help the Rapids compete at a higher level and potentially attract more attention from fans and sponsors.
The Colorado Rapids are on the verge of acquiring goalkeeper Zack Steffen from Manchester City. This potential deal marks an exciting new chapter for Steffen as he returns to MLS. Steffen’s impressive career achievements and experience in European football will undoubtedly have a positive impact on both the Colorado Rapids and the MLS as a whole.