Zak Johnson hails ‘perfect move’ after joining League Two newcomers York City | OneFootball

Zak Johnson says York City’s return to the EFL convinced him to turn last season’s loan into a permanent move to the LNER Community Stadium after helping the club win the National League title.

“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.”

The comments were given to the Minstermen website.

The Academy of Light graduate made four senior appearances for Sunderland, debuting as a late substitute in a Papa Johns’ Trophy win over a Manchester United side featuring Joe Hugill and Charlie Savage.

A league debut did not arrive, although he featured in the FA Cup, coming on in the second half of the third round defeat at Stoke City in January 2025. He then joined Notts County on loan a few weeks later before moving to York in November last year.

The versatile defender has now signed permanently after an undisclosed fee was agreed last week. “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