Kai Trewin officially joins NYCFC as a replacement for Justin Haak | OneFootball

On Tuesday, New York City FC announced the signing of Australian defender Kai Trewin. The center-back joins the Pigeons after Pascal Jansen originally said how roster spots were filled in regards to signing a Justin Haak replacement. However, once the reports came out about Trewin signing with the club, his words made sense. And now, less than a week later, the player has joined the Bronx side.

Trewin arrives at NYCFC from their sister club, Melbourne City FC in Australia. His contract is through the 2028-2029 season, with a one-season option. This is his first time playing for a club outside of Australia since he spent his youth and most of the early part of his career with Brisbane Roar FC. Afterward, he spent just a year and a half with Melbourne.

NYCFC adds Kai Trewin to the roster

The newest player is now the second Australian to sign with NYCFC. He joins Aiden O'Neill, who joined the Boys in Blue last year. This is also the first time in a long time that the team has benefited from another City Football Group club, for usually players leave the Major League Soccer side.

Meanwhile, Trewin was signed for his defensive capabilities. As mentioned, the team needed a replacement for Haak, who signed with the LA Galaxy as a free agent. They also needed another center-back, which is the Australian's natural position.

But like Haak, he can also play as a defensive midfielder, which was the former NYCFC player's natural decision. Trewin can also slot into other roles as well, highlighting his versatility.

His versatility is part of why the Pigeons signed him. "Kai brings versatility to our group and solidifies himself as a defender and in the midfield," Sporting Director Todd Dunivant told newyorkcityfc.com. "Kai is comfortable on the ball and reads the game well." In other words, this sounds a lot like Haak.

This is a good thing, and truthfully, there were questions about whether a replacement would be brought in. NYCFC already has a talented center-back in Raul Gustavo, who can play with Thiago Martins. Then, Keaton Parks should be returning, and the head coach has him, O'Neill, and Jonathan Shore to choose from for the two defensive midfielder roles.

Ideally, Trewin will hit the ground running and immediately contribute to the defense. Whether he is an upgrade is another question that will not be answered until the season is in full swing. If he plays at a similar level to Haak, then NYCFC will be in a good spot defensively.