FanSided MLS
·4 January 2025
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Yahoo sportsFanSided MLS
·4 January 2025
So far, New York City FC has had a slightly quiet offseason. There have been some departures. Head Coach Nick Cushing was fired, Luis Barraza was traded, and Homegrown player James Sands was recently sent out on loan to FC St. Pauli. However, at least at this time, there have not been too many players who have left or had their options declined as compared to previous seasons.
Meanwhile, NYCFC has not signed any players. Yes, the Boys in Blue drafted five players in the MLS SuperDraft, but nobody is guaranteed to sign a contract with the team. In addition, nobody who was out of contract has been brought back and the team has not confirmed whether any NYCFC II players who are signed with the first team will play in Major League Soccer in 2025.
So, why has NYCFC been slow to bring in anyone new? They could have signed free agents and can continue to do as the offseason progresses. They could have claimed players off of waivers too, but they did not do so.
It is possible the club was waiting for the January transfer window to open. More players from other leagues are now available since the window opened on New Year's Day. Plus, there are some leagues where they will be able to sign players in February and March. NYCFC has been known to bolster the roster right before the season begins or at the beginning of the campaign.
Then, there is also the fact the club has yet to announce the new head coach. Reports indicate that Pascal Jansen will become the new head coach of NYCFC. As such, the club might be waiting for him to officially sign with the team to ensure he is in agreement with any new players. The front office might want to ensure new signings will fit into Jansen's tactics.
Moreover, the club might be taking their time to pick the right individuals. As mentioned, there were fewer departures compared to previous years, so there are not too many positions to replace. Of course, that could change based on future trades and sales. If the roster changes more drastically than expected, then it is possible that the Pigeons will wait to ensure they can balance the books with departures and additions.
NYCFC will eventually sign or trade for individuals to help increase the roster depth, take over certain roles in the Starting 11, or compete with those who are expected to start in 2025. The preseason might be near, but there is still time before the MLS season begins.