Zak Johnson says York move is ‘perfect’ after promotion back to the EFL | OneFootball

Zak Johnson has completed a permanent move to League Two newcomers York City after a loan spell that concluded with 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."

He was speaking to the Minstermen website.

The Academy of Light graduate made four senior appearances for Sunderland, debuting late in a Papa Johns’ Trophy win over Manchester United. He came on in the FA Cup during a third-round defeat at Stoke City in January 2025. A loan to Notts County followed, then a temporary switch to York in November, before 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