New signings are desperately needed with Santiago Rodríguez likely leaving NYCFC

New York City FC is about a week away before they begin their 11th season of Major League Soccer play. The team will celebrate their tenth anniversary this season, specifically during the first home matches. They will also have a pop-up event to celebrate the anniversary on March 2 that will look back at the ten years in MLS.

While it is great to celebrate, the Pigeons are now entering the new season where questions remain despite the preseason soon coming to a conclusion. Notably, NYCFC is known for late signings. However, with the expected departure of Santiago Rodríguez, the team might need to put gas to the pedal to bring in a few new players.

In fact, many journalists from South America are stating that the midfielder is officially on his way to Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas. The transfer will be for $17 million, and the move might have been one Rodríguez could not refuse if it meant a higher salary and the transfer fee is a high one for an MLS club like NYCFC.

NYCFC needs new players sooner rather than later

Once the move is confirmed, Skyscraper Blues will dig a little more into his transfer. However, this means NYCFC needs to sign a few midfielders since Rodríguez and James Sands will both be gone.

The club might argue that they have the players on the roster to replace them, and in a way, they do. The Pigeons should be fine on the wings if they wait until the summer to bring in a new winger. The positions the team needs to fill as soon as possible are the central attacking midfielder and defensive midfielder.

Of course, Maxi Moralez can and will play as the number ten. The 37-year-old, who turns 38 at the end of the month, is getting up there in age. He is expected to play fewer minutes while continuing to contribute at a high level. Hannes Wolf might be an option, and one cannot expect one of the Homegrown players to fill in right away either. The team should aim to sign someone who can at least act as a depth piece temporarily.

In addition, while Justin Haak might be on the way to take over the defensive midfield for Sands, he still needs someone to directly compete with him. Haak has grown tremendously over the last couple of seasons, but he needs to earn the position with direct competition.

With all of this in mind, NYCFC should hopefully have a few new players as soon as possible. The Boys in Blue cannot afford to not add possible starters or depth pieces, especially in the midfield. Therefore, the ball is in their court. Or in this case, their pitch.