Official: Maxi Moralez Joins NYCFC As Third Designated Player

February 15, 2017

New York City FC today announced that Maximiliano Moralez joined the club as their third Designated Player. The move is pending his Visa and International Transfer Certificate. Moralez joins NYCFC on a three year contract following his transfer from Mexican side Club Leon.

Moralez is a 29 year old winger/attacking midfielder who joined León this past summer from Serie A side Atalanta and has struggled to consistently get minutes having made only 14 appearances in 30 of the clubs’ matches across all competitions. Of the 14 appearances he made, only 4 of them came as a starter.

Vieira was adamant about having his entire team together before the pre-season tournament started and seems to be happy with the acquisition. Talking to NYCFC.com Vieira heaped praise on Moralez:

“We are really delighted to sign Maxi because he has a lot of experience at the highest level – he’s played in Italy with lots of game in Serie A and also most recently in Mexico – he’s a player who has a lot of talent and he’s going to be a really good addition to the team. He’s demonstrated his desire to come to the football club and to do well, so I’m really happy that he’s decided to join us.”

The 5’3″ forward is a coup for NYCFC after Moralez allegedly turned down offers from Brazilian and Argentine clubs. He’s as equally excited to be working with Villa as he is to be working with Vieira.

“I know that the league is growing a lot and we have a lot of great players – I’m looking forward to playing with players like David Villa and Andrea Pirlo who are two world-class champions who have achieved a lot in their careers.

Also, to have a quality coach like Patrick Vieira, who has been one of the best in his position, recognized worldwide, is something that will help me immensely. With the experiences he’s had in his career, it will be very important to help make this club great.”

If all three designated players stay healthy throughout the preseason, NYCFC will for the first time in franchise history have the opportunity to field all three DPs for the season opener.

The signing of Maxi Moralez clearly demonstrates NYCFC’s pivot on the international transfer market. The team has eschewed well known older European stars in favor of a 29 year old Argentine with only one senior national team appearance. Time will tell if the youth movement was the right direction for the team, but for now many fans are rejoicing.