3 MLS free agents to consider for 2025 | OneFootball

The 2025 Major League Soccer season is about a month and a half away, and New York City FC has begun their preseason.  Most of the players from 2024 are back for 2025, with some departures and additions expected over the next month or two.

While not many signings will be needed, NYCFC still has to bring in some new players for 2025.  So far, the only new players are Prince Amponsah and Jacob Arroyave, with Arroyave being the only one with professional experience since he played with NYCFC II.  Alas, both are young, so one would assume they would be utilized for depth. Then, Maxi Moralez is officially back after signing a new contract.

Of course, the Pigeons are known for signing players right before the season begins or within the first few weeks.  There is time to build the roster.  But who should the team bring over?  There are some MLS free agents the Boys in Blue should consider for the 2025 season.  More than likely, these players would be utilized for depth.

Therefore, here are three MLS free agents NYCFC should consider for 2025.

3 MLS players NYCFC should sign in 2025

3. Jonathan Mensah

NYCFC needs center-back depth, so Jonathan Mensah would be a great choice for the Pigeons.  The veteran defender spent most of his MLS years with the Columbus Crew before making his way to the San Jose Earthquakes and New England Revolution.

With the Crew, Mensah was one of the best defenders in the league.  He was a captain in his final two seasons and helped the Ohio team to their 2020 MLS Cup win.  He had nine goals in all competitions in his six years with Columbus, proving he can score goals in MLS.  Notably, he has not scored since 2022.

Plus, his minutes have declined significantly, playing just 264 in MLS this past season.  As such, his addition would be due to depth and to hopefully enhance the backups available for new head coach Pascal Jansen.  At 34, he would also bring a veteran presence.  The only issue would be Mensah’s salary.  If NYCFC can convince him to make less than the guaranteed compensation of $512,500 that he made this season, then this would be a move to look into.

2.  Gyasi Zardes

One position NYCFC needs to think about is the striker position.  Jovan Mijatović might end up going out on loan in Europe after a failed year with NYCFC.  Then, with Mounsef Bakrar struggling to score as a striker should, the only reliable option would be Alonso Martinez.  The Costa Rican has solidified the starter role and deservedly so.

But the Pigeons should consider bringing in another striker on a one-year deal.  Gyasi Zardes would be a good option due to his experience and knowledge of the game.  Yes, he is not the best scorer in the league, especially these days.  However, unless NYCFC plans to sign an up-and-coming striker or star this summer, then Zardes might be a safe option.  Plus, he would probably perform better than Mijatović did.  Also, one would think he could sign a smaller deal based on his time with Austin FC and equal it to the salary the Serbian was making.

Nevertheless, this might not be a popular option for some supporters.  Yet, he still has a decent pace compared to his younger days and knows how to make himself available to get into scoring positions.

The caveat with Zardes or any MLS strikers who are available is that NYCFC should still aim to find someone who can compete with Martinez or even take his place in the Starting XI.  The striker has been great, but teams can always improve.

1. Dru Yearwood

Finally, it would be somewhat comical for NYCFC to bring in an old rival to join the current midfielders.  Former New York Red Bulls player Dru Yearwood is a free agent and might be a good signing to solidify the midfield.  He mostly plays as a central midfielder but has some experience in the defensive midfield.

Yearwood was with Nashville SC in 2024, scoring a rare goal in his 25 MLS appearances.  He might not be the most offensive player, but his ability to work in the offense and defense makes him a great box-to-box midfielder.  Plus, with questions about the newly returned Maxi Moralez and whether he can play as much as he did last season, and the need for depth and rotation, he could be a good addition to the NYCFC 2025 roster.