Zack Steffen, the 27-year-old goalkeeper from the United States, is set to spend the 2022-2023 season with Middlesbrough on a season-long loan.
Steffen made 21 appearances during his two seasons with City so far, winning two Premier League titles and the Carabao Cup in 2021.
Middlesbrough finished seventh in the Championship last season. Boro’s starting keeper from last season has been loaned out to Reading.
Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder referred to the addition as ‘a big coup’ for the Championship side.
“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 Man City. Man City don’t hand out four-and-a-half-year contracts if they don’t think anything of them.”
Steffen has 29 caps for the U.S. He has represented the United States at all levels from U-18. He has played in both the Premier League and Champions League.
He just signed a four-year extension with City back in November.
With the World Cup set to kick off in November, Steffen will have a chance to get consistent first team reps at the Riverside Stadium near-term.
“Everyone knows his situation, he needed to play because of the World Cup,” Wilder added. “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.”
As far as replacing Steffen from City’s perspective, they’ll easily be able to do that with German international, Stefan Ortega.
Ortega was signed via free transfer on 1 July and will now step in as City’s secondary keeper. Ederson, Ortega and Carson will be Man City goalkeeper’s trio this season.
“Everyone at Manchester City wishes Zack the best of luck during his loan spell,” an official statement from Manchester City said.
Steffen will without a doubt use the heavy reps at the Riverside to establish his stronghold on the No. 1 goalkeeper spot for the United States national team.
“New challenge,” Steffen said on Twitter. “Excited to get going with @Boro on loan for the season. See you all at The Riverside soon ?⚪️ #UTB”
