Looks like time is up for Zack Steffen following new arrival

It was around 16:00 on 16 April when everyone knew the time was up, including Pep Guardiola and the man in question.

Zack Steffen walked off for half-time with his head bowed as Liverpool went 3-0 up after 45 minutes, with Sadio Mane’s first goal coming after a gaffe from the keeper. Consoled by his teammates as his error cost City that final berth.

The Senegalese striker slid in after a heavy touch from Steffen on the edge of his six-yard to score and shock the blue half of Wembley, players and pundits alike.

Manchester City is known to pass around the back and there was a pre-warning to the error in the Premier League fixture between when Ederson was pressed by Diogo Jota, with the Brazilian escaping this time.

That warning was not heeded from the substitute bench on this occasion.

The ability of the American international is not matched with City’s number one, with Ederson known to have superior football skills to the 27-year-old, and the majority of goalkeepers playing professionally.

Various other mistakes throughout his City career have cast a lack of confidence by Pep and City fans alike, with Wembley being proved the last chance.

With a World Cup on the horizon it makes sense for all parties to move, a team in Europe could see the benefits from a keeper playing regularly and improving his confidence.

The departure of Nick Pope to Newcastle may see Steffen reunite with Vincent Kompany at Burnley, while a loan move away to Germany or Italy has also been sounded out.

The replacement

Transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, has confirmed a deal is waiting to be finalised for Steffan Ortega.

The 29-year-old former Arminia Bielefeld shot-stopper will become the number two choice behind the Brazilian international and first-team mainstay, likely to feature in the Carabao and FA Cup competitions.

Although an unfamiliar position for the German, he is likely to relish the opportunity to challenge for the number one spot and many Bundesliga fans credit his quality to do so.

This is despite keeping six clean sheets and conceding 53 goals in a total of 33 appearances. We can blame the defence for that unfortunate stat, surely.

Time will tell whether this move will suit all parties but if Zack Steffen can push his way into the USMNT World Cup squad after a string of impressive performances then everyone can be a winner.