2. Sam Johnson
This choice might be a tad controversial, but Sam Johnson, who last played for Real Salt Lake, is without a team. The center-forward had a good 2019 season, but struggled in 2020, scoring just once in 10 appearances. Even more, Johnson made an incredibly reckless decision during the pandemic and hosted a party with almost 100 people. The party involved police intervention. Such a decision eventually led to his contract being terminated in October.
For New York City FC to even think about signing Johnson would be controversial. What he did in the middle of the pandemic was not only dangerous but put his entire team and club at risk. However, Johnson is 27 years old, and a talented forward. He is looking for a club where he can redeem himself, and NYCFC could give him that opportunity.
Hence, his contract could be written where he is ultimately under a tight leash. Any mishap could lead to his termination, and the club could use his past to offer less money, especially at the beginning.
Johnson would have to prove himself on and off the pitch that he is deserving of obtaining the larger contract, and must meet certain benchmarks. Of course, only if NYCFC can do something like this, and sign him at little to no risk, would he then be worth the signing. Likewise, Johnson would have to agree.
Nonetheless, his scoring abilities alone speak volumes, and New York City FC needs another scorer, especially a center-forward. In 2019, the Liberian was sidelined a few months at Real Salt Lake with an injury. Yet he still managed to score nine goals in 24 regular-season appearances.
Prior to Major League Soccer, Johnson played a year under Ronny Deila in 2018 at Vålerenga Fotball. He scored 12 goals in 28 overall appearances and thus is already familiar with how Deila likes to play. The familiarity might assist with Johnson not only improving his act off the field but regaining his goal-scoring fitness as well. Also, since he is familiar with Deila’s style, he should easily fit into the system.
Moreover, Johnson is a strong finisher and gets his goals, which was an issue in 2020 for the Pigeons. He has been a threat on the counter-attack too. As a signing, with NYCFC’s passing ability from the midfield and on the wings, Johnson would get multiple opportunities to put the ball into the back of the net. He would also act as competition for the center-forward/ striker position, which is desperately needed.
Sam Johnson is a talented player, but obviously would be a controversial signing. For New York City FC, his contract would have to be at no risk. Alas, he would be an easier grab in comparison to Leigh Griffiths, for he is without a club and not a legend anywhere. His ability to score, and familiarity with Deila, is reason enough to sign the Liberian international and give him an opportunity to redeem himself.