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Manchester City scoops Steffen from Columbus for record fee

Ira L. Black - Corbis / Corbis Sport / Getty

Zack Steffen is now one step closer to becoming the latest in a long line of American shot-stoppers to play in the Premier League.

The Columbus Crew ended weeks of speculation on Tuesday, announcing that Manchester City has signed the 23-year-old United States international, with the move set to become official when the MLS' secondary transfer window opens on July 9.

As per MLS policy, the details of the transfer were not disclosed, but it's expected Steffen's move will involve the highest fee paid for a 'keeper in MLS history and also be a club-record sale for the Crew. Previously, the largest fee paid for a goalkeeper was £2.88 million splashed by Manchester United for Tim Howard.

"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," Steffen said. "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."

Recently named MLS' Goalkeeper of the Year, Steffen makes the high-profile switch with 63 Crew starts under his belt following a 2017 debut, registering 164 saves with 19 clean sheets during two seasons in the North American top flight.

A former pupil of Freiburg's youth setup, the Pennsylvania native returned to the United States after failing to make an appearance in the Bundesliga side's first team.

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