Man City star Zack Steffen joins Middlesbrough on season-long loan transfer to get more first-team experience
MIDDLESBROUGH have signed Zack Steffen from Manchester City on a season-long loan deal.
The United States international is set to play regular football as he prepares for this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
Steffen, 27, will succeed Joe Lumley as Boro’s No1.
Upon sealing the loan transfer, delighted boss Chris Wilder told Boro’s official : “I think it’s a big coup for us and so I’m delighted we’ve brought Zack in.
“We knew we had to improve the goalkeeping department.
“We brought in Liam Roberts and now we’re adding Zack who has just signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Man City.
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“Man City don’t hand out four-and-a-half-year contracts if they don’t think anything of them.
“Everyone knows his situation, he needed to play because of the World Cup.
“He had an agreement with Man City, but he could have easily stayed there and sat comfortably as their number two. He wanted to go out and he’s agreed to come here.”
Steffen joined City from Columbus Crew in 2019.
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He spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Fortuna Dusseldorf, before returning to the Etihad to play backup to Ederson.
The 6ft 3in stopper has made 21 appearances for City, including in the Premier League and Champions League.
He has helped City win two Premier League titles and a League Cup winners’ medal.
Pep Guardiola’s side have replaced Steffen with German keeper Stefan Ortega.
The 29-year-old arrives at Eastlands after five years with Arminia Bielefield.
