Rumored striker's deal falls through, so what does it mean for NYCFC? | OneFootball

After New York City FC knew they would be without their starting striker, Alonso Martínez, after his ACL tear, the team wasted no time looking for a striker. This was a priority for the Boys in Blue, as deemed by Skyscraper Blues, fans, and the club. Seymour Reid has the potential to be a star, but he is not ready to take on the role of the everyday number nine. That is why fans were excited that the club was reported to be signing Moussa Sylla from Fußballclub Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04 e. V., or FC Schalke 04.

The Mali international has not always been a scoring forward, but recently, he turned into someone who consistently scores goals. He is at his best as a striker, but he offered versatility to the Pigeons as he can play on the wings, too. Plus, thanks to reports of NYCFC buying down Thiago Martins' contract, Sylla was set to be signed as a Designated Player. Although, whether he was a DP was another story.

Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, the deal is off. According to Tom Bogert and Sebastian Stafford-Bloor of The Athletic, the "proposed transfer to the MLS club has collapsed" and he will stay with Schalke instead.

Moussa Sylla will not join NYCFC, so what is next?

Based on the German club's sporting director, Frank Baumann, and his statement to The Athletic, it appears the deal fell through due to a failed medical with NYCFC. "Now, from our point of view, it is incomprehensible to postpone a failed medical check and thus activate a clause in the contract – because Moussa is healthy and fit for play," he said. "We see no reason in the findings to consider the medical check as failed. We will vehemently contradict this representation, also to protect Moussa. He can easily be on the road as a professional footballer for another decade.”

Of course, if NYCFC saw any reason to be concerned, then it would be a correct decision not to sign the player. Baumann said that they tried to change the agreement, with the Pigeons likely seeking a loan deal to be safe. As such, Sylla is not coming to the United States.

In addition, the Pigeons would have been viewed in a bad light if they knowingly signed someone to a DP contract when there were medical concerns. While it is unfortunate the deal fell through, especially with the 2026 season beginning in a few weeks, it might have been a blessing in disguise. After all, it would have been terrible if Sylla had been signed and then faced injury issues.

Therefore, what does it mean for NYCFC? While the club searches for somebody else, there are a few players who can temporarily play as the center-forward. As mentioned, Reid is available, but the young forward is not ready. Perhaps being thrown into the position would be more of a positive rather than a negative. Regardless, it would be ideal for him to have more minutes this season.

Then, Maxi Moralez or Nicolás Fernández Mercau could play as a false nine, and Fernández Mercau could play as a center-forward here and there. It would not be the best move for the player.

And, this is painful to say, but there is Talles Magno. The Brazilian, despite playing poorly since he is not a striker, can play in that position. That does not mean he will be productive in any way, and truthfully, it would likely be detrimental to him as he tries to become a vital member of the club in 2026.

But, Head Coach Pascal Jansen confirmed to the media on Tuesday that Magno played as a striker in the preseason game against Austin FC. That is a road that the coach should not go down at all.

In complete honesty, the team needs to get a striker as soon as possible. The player does not need to be a DP, but they still need someone who can lead to goals. NYCFC has a lot of work to do over the next few weeks.