Zack Steffen Joins Middlesbrough On Season-Long Loan From Manchester City

Manchester City goalkeeper, Zack Steffen has joined Middlesbrough on a season-long loan, the club have confirmed this morning.

With competition for places fierce at the Etihad Stadium, the US National Team regular needed to make the move to ensure his spot in the squad for November's FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

However, despite City already brining in Stefan Ortega Moreno on a free transfer, Mike Minay has revealed there is no option to buy included in the deal.

Speaking after completing the deal, Boro boss Chris Wilder has explained his delight about getting such a high-quality operator on Teesside.

“I think it’s a big coup for us and so I’m delighted we’ve brought Zack in," Wilder said.

"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 Manchester City.

"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.”

During his two years at City, Steffen has had to play number two behind established 'keeper, Ederson.

This move gives him the opportunity to showcase his skill on a week-to-week basis and force his way back into Pep Guardiola's plans upon his return.

Steffen has made 21 appearances for the club since his arrival - mainly in domestic cup competitions.

Most notably, he was crucial in City's 2021 Carabao Cup triumph, where he kept a clean sheet in the final against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.

He was also trusted in some Premier League outings across the 24 months - including a crucial win at Stamford Bridge in the 2020/21 campaign.

Despite a horror showing in the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool, Steffen is very capable of using the ball at his feet.

Also an excellent shot-stopper, Steffen will be hoping to build some momentum before the Winter and enjoy a successful time with his country in Qatar.