Birk Risa's departure from NYCFC is not surprising | OneFootball

Earlier on Monday, New York City FC announced the first summer departure for the 2025 season. Birk Risa, who joined just two summers ago, is leaving the club. He will transfer back to Molde FK, the team he was at when he joined the Pigeons.

Overall, Risa made 62 appearances with NYCFC. It was not perfect by any means, but he had some good performances for the Bronx side. Truthfully, he did not play up to the standard fans expect from the center-backs. He should have played at a higher level. Plus, he is leaving Major League Soccer without a goal.

Birk Risa's departure made sense for him and NYCFC

Per Sporting Director David Lee, the former NYCFC defender transferred back to Molde due to his "desire to return home" and "prioritize his family". But realistically, the move made sense and was not surprising in any way. Risa was considered an average center-back, and Pascal Jansen and the front office might have thought they could improve the defense.

Of course, Strahinja Tanasijević would have been the one defender who had the highest chance of moving elsewhere. But Risa's departure gives NYCFC the opportunity to bring in someone else who can hopefully play better than Risa did.

At the same time, Risa could have stayed through the end of his contract since it was through this season with an option for next year. Again, he was not terrible, and he was good enough to start in MLS. He was a good partner with Thiago Martins and could play a defensive left-back when needed.

But, his spot was not guaranteed, and that was seen earlier this year. In March and April, he did not regularly start, and Justin Haak often partnered with Martins over him. He has been a regular starter since May 12, but he started as the left-back in many of those matches.

While family certainly could have been a factor, Risa knew nothing was guaranteed under Jansen at NYCFC. Therefore, going back home to a club that he knows likely was the best option for him.

There is also the fact that, in a way, Risa replaced Maxime Chanot. The fan-favorite left NYCFC surrounded by rumors, and it was not the best departure. As such, Risa had that hovering over him, with fans expecting him to properly replace the former center-back. Alas, he never got there.

Risa was a good player for NYCFC. It is a shame he did not turn into another great center-back, but supporters can be grateful for his passion and hard work.