Talles Magno has arrived, the biggest transfer in New York City FC history, is already on the verge of a debut this Saturday for his new club. It is a transformational moment for a club that has become a destination for young talent in recent years.
An 18-year old forward, Talles Magno arrives at New York City FC with a certain amount of fanfare. It was a masterful signing by NYCFC to add a player who was a major part of the U17 Brazilian national team and is considered one of the top young players in the international game. This isn’t a run of the mill signing. This is big news for NYCFC and the league as a whole.
While the big picture signing of Magno is big for his new club and league, in the immediate he helps fill a need for the Yankee Stadium side. For New York City FC, a club in need of adding some scoring if they are going to challenge for a Supporters Shield and MLS Cup, the arrival of Magno is a significant addition ahead of Saturday’s match at Los Angeles FC.
“He’s a very talented boy. We haven’t seen so much of him yet because he is not allowed to train before now; it is impossible to talk about what I’ve seen in training. But as I said, I’ve watched him a lot. We have really good scouts that know what they’re doing. He’s come very far for 18-years old,” NYCFC head coach Ronny Deila said on Thursday.
“Having said that we have to understand that he’s 18-years old and there is a difference between being one of the best talent at 18-years old to be a top, top international star. He has a long way to go to realize his potential. That’s what is interesting about Talles, he has potential to be playing in the big, big leagues with the big teams. He already now at the age of 18 be an important player for us. That says something about his talent.”
He is indeed a special talent; Magno has six appearances and three goals with Brazil’s U17 national team and he was a regular with Vasco da Gama in Brazil. He does come with a knee injury, Deila said, but progress is being made there.
“He’s available for Saturday. He needs time of course because he’s been injured,” Deila said. “Having to start is impossible right now but he will be ready for the game.”
New York City FC comes into the game with a 2-2-2 record (8 points) and sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. They have scored 11 goals in six games, conceding just five goals.
On Saturday, NYCFC lost 2-1 to the Columbus Crew at Red Bull Arena.
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