New York City FC: Three realistic predictions for 2022
New York City FC is coming off an impressive 2021 Major League Soccer season. After a streaky year of ups and downs, the Pigeons finished fourth in the Eastern Conference before going on an incredible unbeaten run to end the season and through playoffs, which led to the club’s first MLS Cup championship.
For 2022, it is expected that NYCFC will once again be one of the top contenders in the East. Despite some roster changes so far, the team still has the majority of their Championship winning side. Additionally, this will be the third year under Ronny Deila, and most of the players understand what the head coach wants.
However, this is MLS, and anything can happen. Before the final month of the regular season, NYCFC’s playoff hopes looked grim, but instead of falling out of the race, they went on their championship run. Hence, it is hard to predict what 2022 will be like. On the other hand…fun?
So, here are three achievable predictions for the 2022 season.
3. New York City FC will make a big signing in the summer
There is no question New York City FC already has players to step up in place of those who have departed. Still, the club does have to make some new signings, and the recent Homegrown signings will definitely help with depth and give them opportunities with the first team while playing for the MLS Next Pro side.
However, with the likes of Valentín Castellanos expected to leave to another club, NYCFC will have to replace him. Then, this might be Maxi Moralez’s final year, and the team has to think who will replace him for the long term. Santiago Rodríguez could be the answer, although with the way he is playing, it is unlikely he will remain on this side of the Atlantic for too long. As such, the Pigeons will sign a major Designated Player for the striker or attacking midfielder position.
With January winding down, and with Castellanos’ future still unknown, it would not be surprising for the club to wait until the summer to bring in their next big Designated Player. Likely, it will be one of those positions that will be filled by either a big name, or a known player that is up and coming.
Once Castellanos is sold, and hopefully he will be able to follow his dreams in Europe, NYCFC will have more money to spend. Maybe the club could pull a Toronto, and bring someone over like Lorenzo Insigne. Or maybe they can sign the next rising star before a big European club swoops in. No matter the who and where, it is likely someone huge will come to New York City this summer, and be one of the largest signings for the club.
It is difficult to say which players around the world the Pigeons would consider signing. Maybe it will be for a position that no one would think NYCFC would sign, or perhaps it will be a star in another league that would cause shockwaves if the club were to swoop in and bring to MLS. MLS Multiplex did suggest one player the club could sign and replace Castellanos is Melbourne City FC’s Jamie Maclaren, who is a star striker in Australia.
Nonetheless, the elements to sign a big player are in place. Castellanos will leave, and Moralez is winding down in his career. The club also has the funds to sign a big Designated Player, and should make such a move.