NYCFC should sign another defender before the transfer window closes | OneFootball

New York City FC is 2-1-1 after they played the first four games in the Major League Soccer season. It is an acceptable record since their first two road matches were against tough teams. Despite some poor play, they still earned a point against Inter Miami CF and lost to Los Angeles FC. Thankfully, the Pigeons got the job done at home by winning two games out of two.

Regardless of the results, there was messy play in all four fixtures. The team is still adjusting to Pascal Jansen and what he expects of the squad. Plus, after some of the departures, especially those of Santiago Rodríguez and James Sands, the roster lacks some depth.

NYCFC needs another defender

One area where NYCFC lacks depth is the defense, specifically at the center-back position. Justin Haak can step into the backline and has done well. But of those who are natural center-backs, the team only has Thiago Martins, Birk Risa, and Strahinja Tanasijević as the reliable center-backs with experience. Of course, reliability is sometimes fluid.

It appears Jansen is not ready to trust Prince Amponsah and Max Murray in the backline, and they might get the majority of their minutes with NYCFC II. Then, with the injuries that have occurred already with some of the fullbacks, it might be smart for the Pigeons to bring in another defender.

Risa can play as a left-back as needed, so he can back up Kevin O'Toole in case Nico Cavallo will miss time after his injury in the New England Revolution game. Tayvon Gray can step in as the center-back, but he is currently injured. Therefore, with questions about the center-back depth, the NYCFC should bring in another center-back. It would be a plus if that player could play anywhere along the backline.

The good news is that the MLS primary transfer window is open for another month. While there might be some limitations based on other leagues' transfer windows, the Pigeons can still sign someone.

Additionally, they could always trade within the league. After all, they have over $4 million in General Allocation Money, or GAM. NYCFC can also trade for someone using out-of-pocket funds. Moreover, the center-back or ideally versatile defender can be a depth piece that can step in when needed. They do not have to be an everyday starter.

Now, some fans might ask about the midfield. Yes, this is something that must be addressed. Shore might be the answer to replace Sands, but he is still 17 and might go through some rough patches. More importantly, with Maxi Moralez being 38 years old, the team is in desperate need of another number ten.

However, adding another defender is something they could do more easily. It is vital to ensure that NYCFC brings in the right midfielders, whether in the attack or defense. However, the Pigeons could bring in a center-back for 2025 to ensure there is depth.