The US National goalkeeper joined City in 2019 after an impressive spell at Columbus Crew, before spending the 2019-20 season on loan at Bundesliga outfit Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Having returned to Manchester last summer, he was part of our 2020-21 Premier League title-winning squad and was an ever-present in both our Carabao Cup success and run to the FA Cup semi-finals.
The 26-year-old, who has 24 caps for the US National side and led them to their first ever CONCACAF Nations League triumph in June, says it’d a privilege to be a City player.
“This is a fantastic moment me - I am so happy to be committing my future to Manchester City,” Steffen told mancity.com.
“In my opinion, this is the best team in world football, with the best manager and best coaching setup. It’s a privilege to be here and contribute to this team achieving its targets.
“I feel I learn every day and I have definitely improved as a goalkeeper since coming here. I contributed to our success last season, which was an amazing experience.
“I want to keep pushing Ederson every single day and take my chances when they arrive.”
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Zack is an excellent goalkeeper and a brilliant professional who brings so much to Pep’s squad.
“He fits the blueprint of what a Manchester City goalkeeper should be. Not only is great with his hands, but he is also calm on the ball and provides outstanding distribution, which is a vital part of our style.
“This is a man who trains to an exceptionally high standard every single day. He always wants to learn and improve. Our coaching staff love having him here and we want to see him continue his development over the next years.”
Everyone at Manchester City is delighted Zack is staying with us and we will him the very best during his time here.
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Zack Steffen: City’s able deputy
Zack Steffen has provided stability as City’s backup goalkeeper, proving an adept understudy to Ederson.
He agreed a move to the Etihad in December 2018 but remained at Columbus Crew for the early stages of their 2019 MLS Eastern Conference campaign.
Voted the MLS Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year 2018 after keeping 10 clean sheets, Steffen subsequently made his final appearances for the Crew in June 2019.
He departed having kept 26 clean sheets in 84 appearances, with his goalkeeping prowess, athleticism and professionalism earning widespread plaudits.
He officially became a City player in July 2019 but then furthered his football knowledge and development by joining Fortuna Dusseldorf on a season-long loan deal.
He was no stranger to German football, having spent almost two seasons with SC Freiburg between 2014 and 2016, playing 14 times for Freiburg’s reserves.
Though it was a tough season generally for Fortuna in the Bundesliga with the club battling in vain to avoid relegation, Steffen proved one of the shining lights.
From his 17 league appearances before a knee injury in January 2020 curtailed his season, Steffen made an impressive 67 saves – the fourth-highest number in the Bundesliga at the time of his Lay-off.
It was the type of standout form that drew praise from throughout Germany’s top echelon and provided ample illustration as to why City had moved to acquire his services.
“Zack had a brilliant start into the season and showed that he has the potential to become a top ‘keeper at the European level,” said Fortuna’s sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel.
It was also the perfect preparation for his permanent move to Manchester…
READ: Zack Steffen - Using His Voice to Make Change
He returned to City in the summer of 2020 and was installed as our backup goalkeeper to Ederson.
His first appearance in a City shirt came in a 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the third round of the Carabao Cup. He would go on to play in every round of the competition as we lifted the trophy for the fourth straight year. He was also an ever-present in our run to the last four of the FA Cup.
He made his Champions League debut in a 3-0 win over Marseille and his Premier League debut at Stamford Bridge in a seismic 3-1 win over Chelsea achieved against the backdrop of a crippling absentee list due to five positive COVID-19 cases.
And in June, he led the USA to their first ever CONCACAF Nations League triumph, playing in wins over Honduras and Mexico in the semi-final and final, respectively.
In total, he played 12 times for City across the 2020-21 season, conceding just six goals. Of those 12 matches, City lost just one.
This season, he has played on four occasions, twice in the Carabao Cup, once in the Community Shield and in our 2-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League.
He has become City’ trusted deputy goalkeeper and has been rewarded with a new contract until 2025.
