Zak Johnson hails 'perfect move' as he joins promoted York City | OneFootball

Former Sunderland defender Zak Johnson has completed a permanent move to York City after helping the Minstermen win the National League title and secure an EFL return.

The Academy of Light product made four senior appearances for Sunderland, debuting as a late substitute in a Papa Johns’ Trophy win over Manchester United. A league debut remained out of reach, though he came on in the FA Cup during a third-round defeat at Stoke City in January 2025.

He gained further experience on loan at Notts County weeks later, then joined York in November last year. An undisclosed fee was agreed between the clubs last week to make the switch permanent.

“Promotion, I feel like if circumstances went differently and we didn’t get promoted, I feel like I wouldn’t be sat here now - but the fact we did get promoted and I enjoyed every single minute means I can get EFL football and I can hopefully kick on and develop as a player. It was just the perfect move for me.” He told the Minstermen website.

“I think I definitely knew when I finished the season I was going to struggle leaving this place - especially with the way the season ended and how much I enjoyed my connection with the fans and how much I enjoyed spending time with the players. I knew this was a place I wanted to be and I couldn’t be happier coming back here this summer.”

Source: Sunderland Echo