Man City reach record-breaking agreement for MLS star

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MLS ‘Goalkeeper of the Year’ Zach Steffen has agreed to join Premier League champions Manchester City in a record-breaking transfer. 

The Columbus Crew SC shot-stopper has impressed on American soil and will now have the opportunity to work and improve under the leadership of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Steffen’s move to England: what you need to know

  1. The 23-year-old has agreed to join the reigning Premier League champions on July 9th, 2019.
  2. Steffen was voted ‘Goalkeeper of the Year’ for his performances last season for Columbus Crew.
  3. The youngster’s form has seen him become the first-choice goalkeeper for the USA.
  4. City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is yet to extend his deal at the club, with it expiring in the summer.
  5. Steffen will be direct competition to current club number one Ederson.

A statement was released today regarding the record-breaking deal. Although the transfer fee is yet to be announced, Columbus Crew have confirmed it is the “largest in club history and most ever received by an MLS club for a goalkeeper”.

The statement reads: “Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has reached a historic transfer agreement with English Premier League club Manchester City Football Club. At the beginning of the 2019 Secondary Transfer Window, which opens July 9, 2019, goalkeeper Zack Steffen will be transferred to Manchester City Football Club.

“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.

“Named a 2018 MLS All-Star and a rising U.S. Men’s National Team senior roster goalkeeper, Steffen, 23, has made 63 regular-season appearances (all starts) for Crew SC after making his MLS debut in 2017, while making 164 saves and registering 19 shutouts.

“Steffen remains a member of the Black & Gold roster with the goalkeeper set to depart the Club via transfer to Manchester City Football Club next summer.”

“A special moment for me”

The player himself has praised his soon-to-be former employers as well as various contributors to his professional development, while also revealing his excitement for his new adventure next season.

Steffen said: “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.”

“This is a historic transaction for the club”

Columbus Crew SC Interim General Manager Pat Onstad has commented on the deal, praising the development of the player through the club and marvelling at the club’s scouting network who are already eyeing up potential replacements for Steffen when he leaves next summer.

“This is a historic transaction for the Club and a special moment for Zack Steffen that we are immensely proud of,” said Columbus Crew SC Interim General Manager Pat Onstad.

“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-calibre replacement.”

The post MLS Goalkeeper of the Year to join Man City in record-breaking transfer appeared first on Squawka News.



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