City agree record fee for MLS goalkeeper

MLS side Columbus Crew have announced that their goalkeeper, Zack Steffen, will join Manchester City in 2019. 

The club released a statement in which they confirmed that the 23-year-old will join City at the beginning of the summer transfer window, which opens July, 9, 2019. 

The statement read: "Terms of the agreement were not disclosed but the transfer fee is the largest in Club history and most ever received by an MLS club for a goalkeeper in the League’s 23-year history."

Steffen was named a 2018 MLS All-Star and is a rising star in the U.S. Men’s National Team. Steffenn has made 63 regular-season appearances for Crew SC after making his MLS debut in 2017, while making 164 saves and registering 19 clean sheets. 

Columbus Crew SC Interim General Manager Pat Onstad told the club website: "This is a historic transaction for the Club and a special moment for Zack Steffen that we are immensely proud of.

 

December 11, 2018

“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.”

Said Zack Steffen also added: “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.”