According to the Bristol Post, a recent injury of Bristol City’s goalkeeper Frank Fielding has seen the Robins step up their search for a new senior goalkeeper.
Columbus Crew keeper Zack Steffen and former Newcastle United shot-stopper Tim Krul have been identified. However, Krul’s wages could be a stumbling block in the current Bristol set up explaining the interest in Steffen.
Fielding started 43 games for Bristol City last team. Only captain Reid, 46 appearances and midfielder Smith, 45 appearances made more appearances. The former Blackburn Rovers stopper picked up a knock against Shrewsbury in the first half and was replaced by O’Leary. Fielding missed the trip to Marbella as he undergoes a scan on his injured leg.
Last campaign, for the first time in two decades, there were no U.S. national team goalkeepers playing in either of England’s top two divisions; Premier League and Championship. That void is on the verge of being filled. Bristol City have tabled a $3.9 million bid for “the next Tim Howard”.
The offer, yet to be formally accepted by Columbus Crew, would be a record fee paid for a Major League keeper, surpassing the $3 million Manchester United paid to sign Tim Howard in 2003.
21-year old Max O’Leary might be highly rated at Ashton Gate. However, he only has loan spells to National League sides Kidderminster, hometown club Bath City and Solihull Moors to his name. Trusting the rookie goalkeeper heading into a new season would be a big gamble for the Robins.
Zack Steffen, two years older than O’Leary, has been capped thrice by USA since the turn of the year. The keeper spent a season at German Bundesliga club SC Freiburg as third choice keeper. He made 14 appearances for Freiburg II and was hugely expected to get into the first team set up. However, Steffen opted to sign for Columbus on a free transfer in July 2016. Steffen has since made 51 MLS appearances and five MLS Cup Playoffs for Columbus Crew.
In 2017, Steffen established himself as Columbus Crew’s starting goalkeeper. The 23-year old helping the Ohio-based club through to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to Toronto. Incredibly, Steffen was chosen as the best player of the MLS Cup playoffs.
His experience might not be enough for the grueling Championship, but he is a major upgrade on O’Leary. Steffen is a supremely talented goalkeeper with great potential and a bright future. He can follow the footsteps of a long list of American goalkeepers who enjoyed success in England. This includes U.S. national team stars Brad Friedel, Kasey Keller, Marcus Hahnemann, Brad Guzan and Tim Howard who all played for English clubs. He is a viable option for both the present and the future considering Fielding is 30.
There is a cloud of uncertainty presently hovering over Columbus. Speculation is rife that club ownership wants to move the team to Austin, Texas against the wish of fans who have started Save The Crew movement.
It might be the right time for Steffen to try his luck in England. Lee Johnson’s side finished in 11th place in the Championship last season and signing a new keeper as cover and/or replace for Fielding is imperative for an onslaught at promotion places next season.
