Zak Johnson hails York City switch as a perfect move after promotion | OneFootball

Former Sunderland defender Zak Johnson has joined York City on a permanent deal after a loan spell that ended with the National League title and an EFL return.

“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.”

An Academy of Light product, Johnson 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.

He featured in the FA Cup, coming on in the second half of a third round defeat at Stoke City in January 2025, then moved to Notts County on loan weeks later before joining York in November. The clubs agreed an undisclosed fee last week.

Source: Sunderland Echo