Europe might be in the future, but Justin Haak needs to stay with NYCFC

The 2025 season is over, and New York City FC will have multiple players with contracts ending or options available. Some will return, while others might choose to go elsewhere. One such player is Justin Haak. His contract ends at the end of the season, and he will become a free agent.

Haak's journey to becoming an everyday player was a long one. Since signing in 2019, the midfielder has not started the majority of matches until this season. He had a few brief appearances in 2019, but did not become a backup player until 2022. Before 2025, the most minutes he played were the 910 minutes during the 2023 Major League Soccer regular season. This year, he played over 3,000 minutes.

The growth of Haak under Head Coach Pascal Jansen is extremely impressive. Yes, some of his growth occurred under Nick Cushing as well, but 2025 was the year he broke out. His ability to play in the backline and defensive midfield has turned him into someone NYCFC relied on throughout the campaign. He even scored a goal during the regular season and in the postseason. Of course, his goal against Inter Miami CF in the playoffs meant nothing in the end.

Justin Haak should not leave NYCFC

Nevertheless, Haak's defensive abilities make him a hot commodity as he becomes a free agent. NYCFC must do everything they can to convince him to re-sign with the club.

As mentioned, Haak played over 3,000 minutes in the MLS regular season, playing 3,010 minutes, which was the ninth most in the league. Per Fotmob, he was in the top 20 for the most blocks per 90 minutes, with 33 total blocks. Although other sources had other numbers. He had over 160 recoveries, making him one of the better players in that statistic. Then, per MLS, he had the second-most clearances on the team, with 41.

Obviously, Haak has grown immensely and turned into a fantastic defender for the Pigeons. He did reveal that talks have been ongoing between his representatives and NYCFC. However, it was revealed to amNewYork that multiple MLS teams and clubs overseas have expressed interest in the player.

If Haak stays in MLS, then one would assume that the Homegrown player would choose to stay with NYCFC. However, the enticement of going overseas, especially the idea of playing in a stronger league, could convince him not to re-sign with the club.

While many MLS players deserve the opportunity to go overseas, Haak would be better off staying stateside at this time. Sure, he should make it his goal to play in a top-five league in Europe. For now, he should focus on the continuation of his development. One strong year could be a blip on the radar. There is no guarantee that he will remain a stronger defender, and moving elsewhere now could see a dip in his performances and minutes if he is not ready for a new challenge.

Truthfully, NYCFC should sign him to a new contract and convince him to stay at least one more year. Then, if Haak has a strong year in 2026, then he could possibly have more suitors from Europe. For the Bronx side, it would mean that he would not leave for free, and they could eventually earn money from a transfer.

Plus, the defender should look at what happened to James Sands. When he first went to Europe, it was after his first full season as an everyday starter. The move did not work out, and he eventually returned to the Pigeons since he was loaned out to Celtic F.C. in Scotland. Afterward, he continued to grow and made another jump to Europe on loan, this time to FC St. Pauli. The midfielder is now having success in Germany.

Hence, staying with NYCFC for at least one more year will probably increase Haak's value and also aid the Pigeons in 2026. More importantly, he will be guaranteed minutes to develop. This would be a win-win for both the player and the team.