COLUMBUS CREW have confirmed Manchester City have completed the signing of 23-year-old MLS Goalkeeper of the year Zack Steffen.
Man City have reached an agreement with Columbus Crew SC for 23-year-old US National Team Goalkeeper Zack Steffen on a four-year deal starting from July 2019. The player will officially join the reigning Premier League champions when the summer transfer window opens in July 2019 but will continue to play in Eastern conference for Columbus Crew SC till July in next MLS season.
Zack Steffen, 23, joined MLS side in 2016 after two years in Germany with SC Freiburg and in two seasons with Crew SC, he made 63 appearances and recorded 19 clean sheets as he helped lead his team to the playoffs both years. In the postseason, Steffen delivered heroic penalty shootout victories in the Knockout Round each season, at Atlanta United in 2017 then at D.C United in 2018.
Speaking to the club’s website, the player expressed his delight by thanking his supporters and coaches: “Any success that I have had as a goalkeeper in MLS with Crew SC is a testament to those around me who have pushed me – teammates, coaches, staff, family, friends and supporters. Today’s announcement regarding next summer is a special moment for me and I look forward to finishing my time with this club on a strong note. I am eager to continue to put in the work to improve and be the best teammate I can.”
By joining the Citizens, Steffen becomes the most expensive outgoing transfer in the history of Columbus Crew SC. However, the terms of the agreement were not disclosed yet but the transfer fee is the most ever received by an MLS club for a goalkeeper in the league’s 23-year history. The interim general manager of Columbus Crew SC Pat Onstad is very pleased by transfer. He said“This is a historic transaction for the Club and a special moment for Zack Steffen that we are immensely proud of” in an interview.
Goalkeeper coach further added “Today’s announcement is the culmination of two and a half years of development and success for Zack. As someone who worked closely with Zack throughout, on behalf of the club, I would like to say that we couldn’t be happier for him. Manchester City Football Club is one of the top clubs in the world and we are pleased to finalize this agreement that benefits the player and both clubs.
We continue to believe that players that come to Crew SC have an opportunity to develop and become great players either here in MLS or abroad. Ahead of Zack’s departure next summer, our scouts already have players targeted as the club identifies a high-caliber replacement.”
Author’s Take
As Claudio Bravo is getting old and Muric has hardly any experience in top flight football, Zack Steffen will be great addition to city’s next season squad. He will move to Citizens in July as back-up to Man City’s first choice keeper Ederson Moares.
