The 2026 end-of-the-year roster decisions are just the beginning for 2027

On Thursday, New York City FC began announcing the 2026 end-of-the-year roster decisions by individually announcing the departures of two beloved players: the captain, Thiago Martins, and long-time midfielder Keaton Parks. And shortly after, the club released the status of everyone who is a free agent or who has an option.

NYCFC picked up the options of three players and declined the options of five others. Three free agents are leaving, while two players who are out of contract are in discussions about their future. In addition, the Queens side is speaking with Luighi and his camp after his loan expired.

Nico Cavallo, Malachi Jones, and Max Murrary had their options picked up, while Kam Acito, Arnau Farnós, Cooper Flax, Mitja Ilenič, and Kevin Pierre had their options declined. As is already known, Martins and Parks are leaving the club as free agents, while Matt Miazga, who was signed a few months ago but never played, is also a free agent and will not be brought back. Maxi Moralez is also a free agent, but NYCFC is speaking with the star about his future. They are also speaking with Mac Learned, who is out of contract, and, again, Luighi.

NYCFC's roster decisions make sense

This is obviously just the beginning of the Pigeons' changes for 2027. Some players will likely leave via trade or sale, and in the case of Moralez, he needs to decide whether he will retire or truly have his swan song after he recovers from his ACL tear. But so far, NYCFC's decisions have made sense.

Right now, both Kevin O'Toole and Cavallo are both capable left-backs, so keeping Cavallo makes sense. Unless a better left-back comes along, the club needs to hold on to both players. Then, Jones has the highest potential among the younger players, and Murray could still break into the first team. He impressed in the few games he played. If the center-back can prove that he can play more minutes, then that is one less depth piece NYCFC needs for the backline.

Meanwhile, it was not shocking that the club chose to decline the options of the five players mentioned. With the exception of Ilenič, most of these players have not played with the first team, and if they did, they played limited minutes. Flax impressed with NYCFC II, but it is highly likely the club did not think he would fit in with the first team in the end. After all, his deal had little to no risk.

Ilenič's departure, while not shocking, is still a little sad. He had so much potential and had some incredible moments with the Boys in Blue. Alas, it did not work out, and hopefully the right-back can find a new home where he can take the next step in his career.

One thing that was interesting to see is that NYCFC is speaking with Moralez about his future. Perhaps the Argentine is not ready to retire, or maybe he is still unsure. It would be understandable if he wanted to sign on for a little longer to ensure that he can have a proper goodbye. He continued to play at a high level until his ACL tear, and the team really missed him or someone of his quality.

If Nicolás Fernández Mercau stays with the club, then he is a great offensive player and can play on the wings or as an attacking midfielder. However, he lacks Moralez's ability to control the flow of the game and create the magic that leads to goals. So, if Moralez leaves, then NYCFC will desperately need a new attacking midfielder.

Also, based on his potential, it would be great if Luighi could be signed permanently. It is good that the Pigeons announced that they are discussing his future, as that option is in play.

Notably, Julián Fernández and Jovan Mijatović's loan deals will be coming to a close, while Seymour Reid's will last until May 2027. The club has the right to recall the player, though. It will be interesting to see what NYCFC will do with those out on loan, and whether they will ever make another appearance in sky blue.

When all is said and done, there are no complaints about the club's end-of-the-season decisions. It would be great to see Moralez and Luighi back with the club, but that is unknown. Then, some players could still leave this offseason. It might be time to part ways with Hannes Wolf. Ideally, it is time to terminate Mijatović's contract.

It should not be needed, as multiple players were part of the 2025 campaign in which the Pigeons did well. Still, it is possible this will be an offseason where there is high turnover for NYCFC.

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