New York City FC Signs Miguel Camargo

New York City FC announced today the one year loan of Panamanian international Miguel Camargo with an option to buy. The 23 year old attacking midfielder most recently played for Mineros de Guyana in the Primera División Venezolana, and has 12 appearances for Panama.

Camargo played the #10 role for Mineros, scoring 11 goals in 30 matches in the combined Apertura-Clausura Venezuelan season. He has not logged any minutes for the club since suffering a knee injury in mid-September. NYCFC finds itself uncharacteristically thin in the midfield after the retirements of Frank Lampard, Andoni Iraola and Mehdi Ballouchy, as well as the loan expiration of Federico Bravo.

Lampard’s departure in particular leaves a 12-goal hole in an NYCFC attack that netted a league-leading 62 goals in 2016. Camargo’s style of play is a little more athletic (read: he runs a lot more) than that of Lampard, but they have the same penchant for turning nothing into something inside the box – something that will be crucial to the club’s success in 2017.

“We believe we’re bringing in a player with the ability to compete for a first-team spot and with the desire and hunger to succeed in a new league” said Patrick Vieira.

“Miguel brings a versatility and tactical intelligence which will give us a number of options in his area of the field going into next season.

Camargo himself spoke to NYCFC.com about the move.

“I know I’ll work hard to give the best I can to be at the level I know I can be at.”

“Being here will be a motivation for me to give my all and to play with great players like there are on the team.”

“I describe myself as a very responsible and respectful player who gives his all on the field and also during training and all the games.”

“I would like to learn a lot and I know that I will. I feel good being a part of this club and I will work really hard.”

“This will be a very important part of my experience and my career.”

Claudio Reyna also praised the young Panamanian; “He brings international pedigree to the squad having represented Panama on a number of occasions and fits the profile of the type of person we want to have at the club.” said Reyna.

Camargo’s signing marks the first splash in the international market for NYCFC this offseason as they seek to replenish a roster that’s seen nine players retire, released or not re-signed since the end of the 2016 campaign.