A Sunderland Academy of Light product is hoping to impress in League Two during the new season.

Former Sunderland defender Zak Johnson has admitted York City’s return to the EFL was one of the main reasons why he accepted a permanent move to the LNER Community Stadium.

The Academy of Light product made four senior appearances for the Black Cats after making his debut as a late substitute in a Papa Johns’ Trophy win against a Manchester United side containing the likes of former Sunderland youngster Joe Hugill and midfielder Charlie Savage, son of former Blackburn Rovers and Wales star Robbie Savage.

A league debut remained out of reach but Johnson did appear for Sunderland in the FA Cup when he came on during the second-half of a third round defeat against Stoke City in January 2025. Further senior experience was gained during a loan spell at Notts County just weeks later and Johnson made another temporary switch when he joined York in November last year.

After helping the Minstermen land the National League title, the versatile defender has now joined York on a permanent basis after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee last week - and Johnson believes he has made ‘the perfect move’ as he prepares to take the next step in his career.

When asked what led to him joining the League Two newcomers on a permanent basis, Johnson told the Minstermen website: “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.

“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.”

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