New York City FC: New Maxi Moralez contract just the start

New York City FC have locked up Maxi Moralez with a two-year contract extension. The new contract is just the start of their future planning.

It is easy to focus on the here and now. The philosophy of prioritising the next game or the next competition or just the next hurdle is extremely prominent in modern sports psychology. But for professional organisations, focusing on just the short term can get them into a lot of trouble.

For the players, ridding of long-term distractions is sensible, no doubt. But managers and executives who are pulling the strings behind the scenes cannot be so naive. They must continually look after the long-term prospects of the organisation.

This season, New York City FC are chasing after their first MLS Cup. And although they have had excellent teams in recent seasons, especially under the excellent David Villa, this might be the best team they have ever had — and the best chance at MLS Cup glory, even with Los Angeles FC lurking in the West.

Nevertheless, those in the background at New York City FC, including head coach Dome Torrent, cannot be solely focused on the MLS Cup run. The offseason looms and plans must be made for the future. And so, smartly, they are wasting no time whatsoever.

This week, it was announced that New York City FC had agreed on a two-year contract extension with star playmaker Maxi Moralez. Moralez is in the process of his best-ever season. He has a league-leading 20 assists, a clear illustration of his creative quality, while also scoring seven goals. New York have scored 61 goals this season. Only LAFC have scored more. And Moralez is the beating heart of their attacking play.

In a statement after the extension agreement, New York City FC sporting director Claudio Reyna said:

"“We’re very excited to have Maxi extend his contract with NYCFC. Since he joined our Club three years ago, his contributions on and off the pitch have been clear to everyone. He’s a role model, a top professional and the best compliment I can give him is that he makes every player around him better. He’s accepted his role as a leader within the team and his influence on the pitch has been tremendous. I know how much Maxi loves the Club and how motivated he is to bring championships to NYCFC.”"

More from MLS Multiplex

But when it comes to attempting to rival LAFC, Moralez’s deal must only be the start. The Argentinian will continue as one of three designated players for New York. The other two are Alexandru Mitrita, who was signed last offseason after Villa’s departure, and Jesus Medina, one of the most overpaid and unproductive players in all of MLS. And this is where NYCFC can become more efficient.

While Medina has shown potential in fleeting moments since his signing ahead of the 2018 season, predominately he has disappointed and has seen his place in the starting XI diminish this year with the emergence of Heber and Valentin Castellanos. New York could use this crucial third DP slot far more effectively than they are doing at present. Just imagine if they added another star wide player or rock-solid centre-back or ball-playing central midfielder.

Next. USMNT: 3 immediate questions from October roster. dark

New York, then, are not resting on their laurels. And that is extremely smart and progressive management. But the new deal for Moralez, while extremely positive, is only the start. To build another challenger next season, more must still be done.

Home/New York City FC