DENVER, CO – The Colorado Rapids have made a major addition to their squad by acquiring US men’s national team goalkeeper Zack Steffen from Premier League club Manchester City. The Rapids announced on Thursday that Steffen is contracted through the 2026 MLS season, with an option for 2027.
To facilitate this significant move, Colorado sent $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to the New England Revolution to obtain the discovery priority rights for Steffen.
Club president Pádraig Smith highlighted Steffen’s credentials: “Zack is an elite-level goalkeeper with a wealth of experience internationally and in MLS. His exceptional skills, experience, and proven track record make him a valuable addition to our roster.”
Steffen, 28, is well-recognized in the MLS, having previously shone for the Columbus Crew between 2017 and 2019. His remarkable performance during this period, especially in 2018 when he was named the Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, paved the way for his move to Manchester City for a reported fee of up to $10 million – a record for an MLS goalkeeper.
During his tenure with Manchester City, Steffen appeared in 21 games across all competitions, primarily in the FA Cup and EFL Cup. He also had loan spells at Fortuna Düsseldorf in the Bundesliga during the 2019-20 season and at Championship side Middlesbrough FC in the 2022-23 season.
On the international stage, Steffen has earned 29 caps with the USMNT, last playing in a World Cup qualifier in March 2022.
Head coach Chris Armas expressed excitement about Steffen’s arrival: “He is a top player with big experiences and we know he will add so much to our group. His quality, leadership, and winning mentality will help us for years to come.”
Prior to Steffen’s signing, William Yarbrough was the Rapids’ starting goalkeeper from 2020 to 2023. The team also includes Serbian international goalkeeper Marko Ilić.
With the addition of Steffen, the Rapids, under new leadership from Armas, are poised to start their 2024 regular season with enhanced defensive strength. They will face off against the Portland Timbers on Feb. 24, marking an exciting beginning to their campaign.
