3 NYCFC players who should be brought back in 2025

New York City FC's 2024 season is over and it ended in the worst way possible. The Pigeons lost to their rivals in the postseason Hudson River Derby. The 2-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls will hurt for a while, especially since the Boys in Blue had a chance to make the Eastern Conference Finals.

With that said, work for 2025 will probably and should begin this week. There are some players who are expected to depart either due to contracts ending or via the transfer and trade windows. There are those who should return in 2025 but are not guaranteed to do so. Only five players' contracts are ending, with four having options for the following year, but there are those whose place with NYCFC is questionable in 2025.

Therefore, which players should return with a new contract? Who should the Pigeons not move on from? Here are three NYCFC players who should be back in 2025.

3 players who should return to NYCFC

1. Alex Rando

This might not be obvious, but Alex Rando should return to NYCFC next year. The goalkeeper spent 2024 with NYCFC II, playing 18 games in all competitions. It would be nice to see him with the first team a little more to see how he does.

Realistically, it would be silly if NYCFC did not pick up his option after signing him for this season. Sure, he was expected to play with the MLS Next Pro side, but he was already set to be with NYCFC II. The club has to see something in the goalkeeper. Moreover, it is possible that Luis Barraza will not be back next year since Matt Freese is the starter. The Pigeons would still have three keepers on the roster, in the case Tomás Romero's option is also picked up. That would mean NYCFC would not have to look for a new goalkeeper. Keeping Rando would make sense.

2. Jovan Mijatović

Jovan Mijatović is another player who must be back in 2025. Some might question his presence on the list since he was signed this season. It was thought he would be the striker NYCFC was looking for since Valentín Castellanos' departure. Sadly, this was not a good season for the young forward.

However, everyone knows he is talented. Mijatović was a starter in Serbia by the time he came to New York City. He knows how to score. Ideally, this season will be the stepping stone to success in 2025. After all, Castellanos did not have the best start with the team either.

So why is the Serbian listed as a player who should be brought back? The answer is simple. He might be looking to leave after 2024 did not go as plan. This is someone who is expected to develop and eventually end up in one of the top European leagues. NYCFC must give Mijatović a shot and convince him to stay until at least the summer. If he continues lacking playing time or does not fit in with the team, then he might want to look elsewhere. Alas, this is not someone the Pigeons should give up on yet.

3. Maxi Moralez

The easiest answer for who NYCFC should bring back is Maxi Moralez. The 37-year-old proved how vital he is to the squad after he returned from his ACL injury. He can still play at a high level and can contribute in the Starting XI and off the bench.

Moralez is also loved by the fan base. Having him back for at least one more season would be a great way to start the new year and forget a little about the Hudson River Derby loss. His knowledge of the game also helps the younger players. The midfielder is also a leader on the pitch and improves the midfield significantly.

The only reason Moralez should not be back would be if he announces his retirement, which is also possible. He might want to go out while he is still a good player. If that is not the case, then NYCFC must bring him back for one final campaign.