USMNT goalkeeper Zack Steffen is embarking on a new journey in his career. The 27-year-old shot-stopper left Manchester City to join English Championship club Middlesbrough on a season-long loan. The keeper had been looking for a way out of City for months, and he finally got his move.

Steffen was the backup goalkeeper at Manchester City, playing second fiddle to Brazilian keeper Ederson Moraes. However, in the past two seasons, Steffen managed to make a measly 21 appearances for City.

Things are different now as the World Cup in Qatar is coming up, and Steffen’s spot as the USMNT’s number one is not fixed. He needed to go somewhere where he could play much more, and Middlesbrough is that place.

Chris Wilder talks about Steffen’s arrival

Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder was delightful about the signing of Steffen and said as much in a statement during Steffen’s presentation. The manager brought up the fact that Steffen had just signed a long-term contract with City as a testament to his qualities as a goalkeeper.

“I think it’s a big coup for us and so I’m delighted we’ve brought Zack in. 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,” Wilder said.

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Middlesbrough had had several issues in the goalkeeping department last season and signed Liam Roberts and Steffen to fix them.

Zack Steffen takes a gamble

Wilder also added that Steffen needed to play because of the World Cup, and was happy that Steffen chose to come to Middlesbrough over any other club.

“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,” Wilder added.

This move is a gamble for Steffen because Liam Roberts is a fantastic goalkeeper too. Steffen should be expected to start over him, but if he doesn’t, he’ll surely miss the trip to the World Cup in Qatar.

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