After two weeks of speculation, the rumors are true as New York City F.C. has captured Luxembourg’s 26-year old defender Maxime Chanot. With another defender on board what does this mean for Patrick Vieira and his squad?
Just when you thought Patrick Vieira was done with his defensive overhaul, he surprises everyone. With the MLS transfer window opening about three weeks ago, Vieira has been busy after selling Kwadwo Poku and acquiring one more defender after signing Maxime Chanot from Kortijk.
While the transfers are all signed and the money is there after NYCFC spent their allocation money, there is no spot for Chanot. The transfer became official today after the club officially announced the news on their website, but Chanot will have to wait.
As expected, Chanot will need to take a international spot, something NYCFC does not have at the moment. With all 12 used up, someone has to go and now the question remains–who will it be?
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The Chanot signing means that Vieira must pin point his weakest link either by trade or release and if he’s thinking of a trade then expect Mix Diskerud. With no playing time in his future, all exit signs are pointing his way.
Vieira could let one of players that are occupying an international spot loose and either Steven Mendoza or Diego Martinez could be the ones to go. Neither have impressed Vieira especially Martinez. Mendoza has made 13 appearances with six starts and one lone goal, Mendoza looked promising upfront for Vieira, but has hit the injury report.
Martinez, who was brought in from River Plate on a loan, has only seen the field twice and both times struggled. If Vieira and the NYCFC board are not feeling a trade, Martinez’s loan might be cut short paving the way for Chanot.
The Chanot signing also means that NYCFC has more depth in the center back position and more experience. Playing in England, France and Belgium, Chanot has the experience that Vieira might be looking for, just like he did with Frédéric Brillant.
Even though Brillant struggled in the beginning, he has seemed to understand the league now and having Chanot by his side might improve his game. Brillant and Chanot were once teammates three years ago at Beershot AC, so having chemistry on the line always eases the manager.
With Chanot on board, this also means that NYCFC and Vieira have a primary central defender that can by physical. Chanot described himself as a ball-winning defender that loves to get physical, especially when it comes to set-pieces.
In the end, Chanot coming to the Big Apple just goes to show you that Vieira is nowhere done fixing his back line and that this defense especially, is a work in progress.