3 players NYCFC should part ways with before the 2025 season

The offseason is officially in full swing for New York City FC. The team began preparing for 2025 by firing Nick Cushing. As such, the team is searching for a new head coach to hopefully lead the Pigeons to a more successful campaign.

Meanwhile, NYCFC has not announced any end-of-the-year roster decisions. Often, teams that were eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs will announce the decisions within a few days of their exit. However, it has been a week since the New York Red Bulls knocked out the Boys in Blue. There are only a few options available to be picked up this season, but it is surprising the side has not said anything.

Plus, some players might be traded to other Major League Soccer sides or sold to other teams in other leagues. Therefore, there are those who NYCFC should part ways with. Here are three players NYCFC should say goodbye to and not have on the roster in 2025.

3 players NYCFC should not bring back in 2025

3. Luis Barraza

Luis Barraza has been with NYCFC since 2019 but was only a starter for a good portion of 2023. The goalkeeper has been a valuable member of the club but proved he is not a starter. As a result, Cushing finally put Matt Freese between the sticks, and there was no looking back.

Since Barraza got a taste of being a starter, he might be willing to leave for more minutes. At the same time, the Pigeons could save money by not picking up his option, and instead pick up those of Alex Rando and Tomás Romero. The two could compete as the backups to Freese.

Hence, NYCFC should not pick up Barraza's option and move on from the keeper. He is a great person and teammate, but the Pigeons must focus on 2025 and the players they can put on the pitch.

2. Strahinja Tanasijević

NYCFC signed Strahinja Tanasijević before the current campaign. His contract is through 2025 with options for two more years. However, the Serbian was constantly a liability when he was on the pitch. He only had a couple of decent games and quickly proved he was not the first choice to fill in for an injured center-back.

That is why the Pigeons must find a way to remove Tanasijević from the roster. It is unlikely, although not impossible, for the player and club to mutually part ways. Alas, the better option would be to send him on loan or sell him to another team.

1. Mounsef Bakrar

When Mounsef Bakrar first joined the Pigeons in the summer of 2023, there was hope that NYCFC finally found their striker. He had a fast start and was quickly loved by fans. Of course, that did not last long, for his struggles with finding the back of the net lasted too long and occurred in a cycle. He would score to break the drought, but then it would start up again.

As a striker, Bakrar has to score. There was a reason Alonso Martínez took over as the starter, for he was scoring goals. There was hope Bakrar would find himself again on the pitch, but the Algerian has not done so. So, NYCFC should look to sell the forward. Sometimes, a change in scenery can work wonders, and that might be what the Algerian needs.

In addition, the club must give their star signing of last season, Jovan Mijatović, more opportunities. If NYCFC were to choose between the two, then it should be the Serbian. Sadly, it has not worked out for Bakrar, so it might be time to part ways.