Middlesbrough have signed USA goalkeeper, Zack Steffen on a season-long loan from Manchester City for 2022-23 campaign.
Having began his career as a defender in his home state, Pennsylvania, USA, until he became a goalkeeper aged 10, Steffen played for Maryland Terrapins during his time at University of Maryland before enjoying a season at Freiburg before moving to MLS’ Columbus Crew from 2016-19.
Steffen then joined Man City in July 2019, although he found himself loaned out to Fortuna Dusseldorf for 2019-20 season, where he made 18 appearances.
Upon returning to City in Summer 2020, Steffen found himself as second-choice goalkeeper to Ederson but managed 21 appearances across the last two seasons, of which mainly came in FA Cup and League Cup.
Steffen also managed one Premier League and Champions League outing in both seasons, whilst he received the honour of starting City’s first competitive match last season as the Citizens lost the 2021 Community Shield against Leicester City.
During his time at the Etihad, Steffen also helped City win the Premier League title in the last two seasons plus 2020-21 EFL Cup.
Issuing a short statement on Steffen’s loan switch to Middlesbrough, Man City commented: “Everyone at Manchester City wishes Zack the best of luck during his loan spell.”
City also explained that the loan move was in order to provide Steffen with regular game time ahead of USA’s involvement at 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the Americans will share Group B with England, Wales and Iran.
“I think it’s a big coup for us and so I’m delighted we’ve brought Zack in,” commented Middlesbrough manager, Chris Wilder as he insisted that Boro needed “to improve the goalkeeping department.”
Steffen last November signed a four-and-a-half year contract to stay at Man City until 2025, which Wilder iterated is a statement of City’s belief in the 27 year-old, as he quelled any immediate speculation of a future permanent transfer
Wilder though is happy to have Steffen at Boro on loan with the American needing regular game time as he explained: “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 could make his competitive debut for Middlesbrough in their opening match of the 2022 Championship season on Saturday 30 July, as Boro host West Bromwich Albion live on Sky Sports in a 5:30pm BST kick-off.
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