Man City agree deal to sign American keeper Steffen

Manchester City have agreed a deal that will see US international goalkeeper Zack Steffen join them from Major League Soccer (MLS) side Columbus Crew in July, the Premier League champions said.

The exact financial details of the four-year contract were not revealed but Crew said the transfer fee was the largest in their history and the highest received by an MLS side for a goalkeeper in the league’s 23year history.

“Today’s [Tuesday] announcement regarding next summer is a special moment... 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,” Steffen said.

“This is a historic transaction for the club and a special moment for Zack we’re immensely proud of... the announcement is the culmination of 2.5 years of development and success for Zack,” Crew interim general manager Pat Onstad said.

The 23-year-old Steffen began his career with Freiburg, playing 14 times for the German side before switching to the Ohio-based Crew in 2016. He has made 63 regular-season starts since his debut in 2017.

Steffen’s strong performances earned him a call-up to the national side, making his debut against Bosnia in January before playing five more times for his country this year.