NYCFC should consider Alexander Ring on a one-year contract | OneFootball

New York City FC has had some great players over the years. Some were European stars already and came to Major League Soccer to end their career, like Frank Lampard. Others were successful and made the jump to the bigger leagues in Europe, like Valentín Castellanos and Jack Harrison.

Then, some players shined with NYCFC and then left for other teams, whether with another MLS club or elsewhere. Some examples include Sean Johnson, Alexander Ring, and Anton Tinnerholm.

Meanwhile, the Pigeons are currently building the roster for the 2025 season. Few moves have been made so far since most of the team from last year is still on the roster for 2025. The biggest departure has been James Sands, but his move is a well-deserved loan move to try playing in Europe again.

Could Alexander Ring come back to NYCFC?

As such, a replacement is needed for the NYCFC Homegrown. While it should be a defensive midfielder, truthfully any midfielder would be okay at this time. It would be best for NYCFC to diligently search for Sands' replacement.

One needs to remember his loan is for the remainder of the Bundesliga season. If it does not work out with FC St. Pauli, then he can return to the Bronx side in the summer. Ideally, he will be successful.

Therefore, it might be smart to sign someone just for the 2025 season. There is someone NYCFC fans know who is available: Ring.

Before the 2021 season, NYCFC shockingly traded the former captain to Austin FC. The midfielder spent his last four seasons in Texas before his contract option for 2025 was denied. As a result, he is a free agent and might be a free agent to consider for 2025.

So, why not sign the former midfielder for one year? Ring is a different player compared to when he left the Pigeons four seasons ago. Yet, he started most of the Major League Soccer matches in 2024, scoring two goals. He also had four assists. He can play in the central midfield, defensive midfield, and step into the backline when needed. His versatility would enable him to play in Sands' position.

While Ring was a Designated Player with Austin, NYCFC could bring him on a friendlier deal where he could possibly earn Sands' salary or less. He is 33 after all and will turn 34 in April.

Moreover, he is familiar with the Bronx side. Yes, the team is quite different from 2020. He would not be coming in blind though, and would know some of his teammates, including Maxi Moralez and Keaton Parks.

Notably, this is probably a controversial idea for some of the supporters. They might argue that NYCFC should sign a younger and established player. That is why though the idea would be to use Ring as a stop-gap and sign him for one year. Plus, the club could still find a permanent replacement for Sands, and the former captain could be utilized as a depth player. There are rumors about NYCFC's interest in midfielder Cameron Devlin, but those are just rumors.

Nevertheless, the probability of NYCFC signing Ring again is highly unlikely. He is still a free agent that could be considered for the 2025 roster.