New York City FC: Top 3 signing options for a brighter 2021
1. Philippe Sandler
New York City FC and Manchester City FC are both parts of City Football Group, so it is a little shocking that the Pigeons have not had too many loans from Manchester. For the 2021 season, there are many young players who would probably like regular playing time. With five options at center-back already in Manchester, NYCFC should attempt to sign Philippe Sandler on loan for the 2021 season as a Young Designated Player.
From the Ajax youth system, Sandler is a talented center-back but has struggled to break into the Manchester first team. Since leaving PEC Zwolle, the 23-year-old has found playing time to be scarce, even on loan. Partly this is due to injury, but even so, breaking into the first team would be difficult.
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Thus, Manchester should give him the opportunity to fight for minutes and prove himself, and NYCFC would be an option. He also has the level and potential to be signed on loan as a Young Designated Player, which would be more encouraging for him to make the move.
To begin, Maxime Chanot is getting up there in age. In 2021, he might be more valuable if he can rest more often. Plus, NYCFC only have three established center-backs, and Chanot and Alexander Callens tend to be the first choice in the Starting XI.
In other words, there has been a lack of competition in that position, so signing a young player like Sandler will allow for that competition.
It keeps players like Callens and Chanot uncomfortable and forces all of the center-backs to fight for the Starting XI. Furthermore, this will permit the option to keep James Sands in the defensive midfield role in the case of injury.
In addition, by going on loan, Sandler would have to prove himself to be a starter. He has to show his parent club he could play at a top-level, and starting in MLS would be the right step. Going on loan would also give him an opportunity to regain his fitness and continue his recovery from his ankle surgery.
Playing wise, Sandler is comfortable on the ball and performs well in intercepting passes. This is something that fits into NYCFC’s playing style, and Manchester City as well. The Dutch international is also versatile, which again is an important attribute amongst NYCFC players. He can play as a defensive midfielder, which would give him more options to possibly start.
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At this rate, it is time to pressure Callens and Chanot for their spots. Players should not be comfortable, for that can cause them to not play to their best ability. Signing Sandler on loan would allow for that competition, but also give the young player an opportunity as well. This is a conversation New York City FC and Manchester City FC should have and consider.