3 predictions for NYCFC's 2025 season | OneFootball

The preseason has come to a close.  New York City FC is less than a week away from playing their 11th season in Major League Soccer as they celebrate the 10th anniversary.  Many from last season are still with the club, with the biggest departures being James Sands and 99% likely Santiago Rodríguez.  Christian McFarlane also left the team, but the defender was not an everyday starter for most of 2024.

As such, NYCFC will try to utilize the chemistry the players already have to help them adjust to the new head coach.  Pascal Jansen has been working hard in the preseason to prepare the Boys in Blue for the new campaign but also life under him.  High-intensity training and games and a strong mental mindset are just two changes that the Pigeons have adjusted to.  This makes one wonder what the environment was truly like under Nick Cushing and whether the former head coach was too lax with his training methods.

Nevertheless, it would be shocking for NYCFC to start extremely well.  This is not because they start the season on the road with two tough games against Inter Miami CF and Los Angeles FC.  Rather, growing pains are expected and were seen in the preseason matches.  Although, they ended the preseason on a high with a win and a 3-1-2 record.

Plus, they have yet to make any new major signings, with the only true moves as of today being the return of Maxi Moralez, a backup goalkeeper, and a few Homegrown signings.  So, with everything in mind, how will NYCFC do in 2025?  What will happen?  Here are three predictions for the new season.

3 predictions for NYCFC in 2025

3. Julián Fernández will shine this season

Last year, one of the predictions was that Julián Fernández would become a star.  As everyone knows, that did not occur, for Nick Cushing struggled to develop some of his young players and give them valuable minutes.

Now, Jansen is the head coach and he is known for developing young players.  Many expect those who barely played last season to play more in 2025.  Fernández still has the same raw talent that has been seen in some fixtures since he joined in 2024.  The winger also had a decent preseason.  Therefore, the first prediction is that he will shine for NYCFC.

The reason why is a simple one.  The more minutes he earns, then the better he can become.  If he continues to grow over the season, then eventually he could beat Hannes Wolf out for the right-winger position.  Based on what was seen so far, he might already be in the process of getting that starting role.  Of course, rotation will be common, especially when the U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup begin.

Fernández creates opportunities for his teammates but can also be a goal-scoring threat. The passion he has for the game is always evident when he plays, and he is not one to back down easily.  Just watching him play in the final preseason match illuminated that he can impact the team not just offensively, but overall.

Jansen will give him a chance to shine, so he will.  Fernández is too talented to waste away on the bench, and the new head coach should already see that.  A difference in opportunities to play is why the winger will have a good 2025 season.

2. NYCFC will sign a big-name DP in the summer

As mentioned, the transfer window regarding incoming players has been mostly quiet.  The biggest move was the re-signing of Moralez.  At the same time, fans should expect NYCFC to announce the signings of a draft pick or two.  The team is also known for late moves, so ideally someone, from either MLS or another league, will join the Boys in Blue over the next few weeks.

But, with Talles Magno out on loan and Rodríguez about to move to Brazil, NYCFC will have two open Designated Player, or DP, spots in 2025.  Hence, they will need to search for a player or two who can fill the DP spots on the roster.

Since the big transfer window worldwide is during the summer, one should expect the club to wait until the secondary window to bring in one or both DPs.  That is why the next prediction is that the Bronx team will sign a big-name player, either from Europe or South America, to a DP contract, but not until summertime.

NYCFC knows they must find someone to replace Rodríguez and possibly bring in a successful goal-scoring forward.  Alonso Martínez should be the starting striker, but if Mounsef Bakrar cannot be the contributor he is expected to be again, then the team will need someone to compete or line up with the Costa Rican star.

Of course, players like Fernández and Agustín Ojeda should get more time on the wings and be more successful in 2025.  Once Malachi Jones is healthy and ready to go, he could also be an option, along with Wolf.  Still, the front office should not hesitate if they can sign a successful winger or striker as a DP.

NYCFC should also be searching for a number ten, ideally as a DP.  Moralez is turning 38 at the end of the month, and while he can play at a high level, he might need more rest this year.  Moreover, Rodríguez will be gone, leaving untested or young players to fill in when Moralez is not playing.

With more players available over the summer, supporters should expect NYCFC to wait to bring in a big-name DP.  No matter what, it is predicted that the team will sign someone who will make everyone very happy.

1. NYCFC will finish anywhere from 4th to 6th place

In the meantime, NYCFC lacks some depth right now due to the lack of signings.  Nobody expects Jansen to work miracles with the team either.  Instead, he is expected to lead them to a stronger year and ideally oversee the development of the youth.

As mentioned, growing pains are expected, and nobody should think that the roster will compete for a top spot.  However, they should be more competitive in 2025.

That is why the final prediction is that NYCFC will end the regular season anywhere from fourth to sixth place in the Eastern Conference.  As always, where the Pigeons finish will be based on new signings, but also on whether Jansen can get his tactics and methods to click with the players.  It also depends on how the other teams play throughout the year.

It would be surprising if NYCFC finished below sixth, for one should assume they can match last season or do better.  This is especially true if Martínez starts up front and center in most of the games.  The forward had 16 regular season goals in 26 appearances but only 19 starts.  Imagine what he would do with more starts if he continued to score goals and play well.  He had 16 in over 1,400 minutes played, so if he plays 2,000 or more, he should be able to hit 20 or more goals.

Notably, someone must step up to fill in for Rodríguez, who had 12 goals and 10 assists.  If NYCFC can do that, then they should manage to get at least a few more wins compared to 2024.  That could be the difference between finishing in fourth or sixth.  Last season the two spots were separated by a mere two points.

The 2025 season is so close.  It is predicted that NYCFC will have a better season, but slightly.  That could change though if a younger player steps up or if the team brings in a fantastic player.