Maxime Chanot joined New York City FC from Belgian side KV Kortrijk in July of 2016 and immediately became a fixture in defense. Chanot earned praise from analysts and fans alike for his defensive efforts and became one of the top rated defenders in the league over the current season. His success and joy on the field however, has not translated over completely off the field.
Chanot last played for NYCFC on July 20th, 2017 and has missed the last nine matches with a hernia. Initially reported as a short injury which would keep him out for a month at most, he has had to undergo surgery in order to aid the recovery process. According to NYCFC, the timeline has moved following the surgery and the club hopes he can make a return in time for the playoffs. During his recovery Chanot has traveled to Qatar for his rehabilitation at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital.
According to a report today from Het Laatste Nieuws, which we have been able to confirm with a source close to the player, Maxime Chanot wants to return to Belgium this winter when the MLS season is over. He still hopes to play a part in the remaining 2017 season for NYCFC, however that will depend on his recovery and the performances of Frédéric Brillant. Brillant has seen a resurgence following his return to the starting lineup in Chanot’s absence.
Should Chanot choose to leave this winter on a free transfer, Brillant’s form should make the loss a bit easier for Vieira and his staff to handle. It will however, mean that for a third consecutive offseason NYCFC be looking for center back depth.
Edit: Maxime Chanot was intially signed to a 2 1/2 year contract when joining from Kortrijk in mid-2016. NYCFC will hold his rights through the end of the 2018 season. If Chanot wants to return to Europe it will mean NYCFC will have to sell him, or void his contract and allow him to leave on a free transfer.