New York City FC trade mainstay defender to Los Angeles FC
Sebastien Ibeagha traded by New York City FC to LAFC
New York City FC traded away one of their longest-tenured players on Friday, sending defender Sebastien Ibeagha to Los Angeles FC. The deal involved $150,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) heading to the Bronx club, along with the possibility of another $50,000 should certain performance requirements be met.
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After being named the USL’s Defender of the Year in 2017, Ibeagha signed with the club ahead of the 2018 season. He had 64 appearances with 34 starts over four seasons with New York City FC, playing 3,459 minutes and becoming a valuable part of the team’s depth.
He was a high-character player who was well-regarded by both his teammates and the technical staff.
The 29-year old defender made eight appearances (three starts) this season for NYCFC, registering 348 minutes played in 2021. He was primarily used as a center back.
“Seb has been a really valuable member of our squad since joining in 2018 and he played a vital role both on and off the pitch for our organization and he will be sincerely missed,” New York City FC sporting director David Lee said in a statement released by the club.
“He’s been a dependable presence in our defense and his influence in the locker room and throughout the community embodied the values we want our players to have. We wish him all the best at LAFC and throughout the rest of his career.”
New York City FC plays at Toronto FC on Saturday night. NYCFC is unbeaten in their last four matches.
Ibeagha signed with the Houston Dynamo in 2016 but didn’t play in any league matches for the Western Conference club.
“New York has been my home for the past four years and I have been blessed to be part of the Club,” Ibeagha said as part of the statement released by NYCFC.
“I don’t have the words to thank everyone enough, but to my teammates, staff, and fans—thank you for rocking with me, fighting for me and being in my corner. I will truly miss NYCFC, the people I’ve had the honor of meeting and those who have become my family. New York, I love you and wish you all the best.”