Maxi Moralez signs new non-DP deal with NYCFC

The Argentinian magician Maxi Moralez has officially resigned with MLS champions New York City FC, the club announced on New Years Day. With lots of uncertainty surrounding players’ returns such as Taty Castellanos and James Sands, ensuring that a core player like Moralez will return bolsters hope for the Night Owls in 2022.

The contract is a non-Designated Player contract that guarantees him through the 2022 season with an option for 2023. Although Moralez was essential to the Night Owls’ first trophy, he is turning 35 years old in February, creating concerns of injury and if his play will decline.

NYCFC has witnessed aging players’ ability begin to fade away with other midfield maestros such as Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo in the past. Getting Moralez on a non-Designated Player deal is massive for New York and expands their options this offseason.

Since signing in 2017, Moralez has been an integral part of this team recording 26 goals and 66 assists in 136 starts. The star attacking midfielder was named among the MLS Best XI and NYCFC team MVP in 2019.

During the 2021 season, Moralez played a pivotal role in the success of the team scoring 3 goals and registering 11 assists. Moralez’s biggest goal of the season would come against the Philadelphia Union when he scored a massive game-tying goal in the Eastern Conference Final. In the MLS Cup victory against the Portland Timbers, Moralez would also register an assist and score a crucial penalty.

Additionally, Moralez served as a great influence to young developing players such as Santiago Rodriguez, Talles Magno, and Thiago who are the future of this club. Retaining our center attacking midfielder was an excellent move by NYCFC management as they look to finalize their squad that will travel to Costa Rica for the club’s CONCACAF Champions League match against Santos de Guápiles.