NYCFC had a busy Monday with Zidane Yañez's trade and Tomás Romero's extension

New York City FC has already made a few moves before they entered the Monday after the World Cup, including the signing of Bénie Traoré. But the club wasted no time in making more moves during a busy Monday of announcements. One player, Zidane Yañez, is leaving, while another, Tomás Romero, is extending his stay with the club.

These moves are just the start of what will likely be a busy summer for the Boys in Blue. It is expected that the secondary transfer window will be the start of building the team for the move to Etihad Park next summer. That means there will be incoming and outgoing transfers, and contract extensions.

NYCFC made some moves on Monday

To begin, NYCFC's first announcement on Monday was that Yañez has been traded to Nashville SC for up to $275,000 in General Allocation Money. Per the club, the Pigeons will get "a guaranteed $50,000 in GAM in 2027, with up to an additional $225,000 if certain performance-based incentives are met." They will also "retain a percentage of a future transfer or trade."

This was not a shocking move, for the young Homegrown player has not done well since he signed his contract in 2023. He never made a first-team appearance and had limited playing time with NYCFC II. Yañez has been out on loan, but that will not last based on the trade.

The trade was actually a smart move by NYCFC. Clearly, the forward was not breaking through the first team and was not performing well enough to play with the MLS Next Pro side. Then, the team will get some money, but if Yañez turns into the player he was thought to eventually be with the Bronx side, then they will be properly compensated.

That was not the only smart move on Monday. As mentioned, NYCFC also announced that Romero has signed a contract extension. His new deal will last until the end of the 2027-2028 season with an option for another year. The goalkeeper does not play often, but when he does, he often performs well.

Since signing in 2024, Romero has made six appearances for the Pigeons. He has been a solid backup to Matt Freese and has been reliable when called upon. That also means NYCFC does not need to search for a second-choice keeper this offseason. Moreover, if Freese were to leave based on recent rumors, then he could possibly fill in as the first-choice keeper temporarily. Ideally, that will not happen, though, and the club will have both players for the next few years.

Moreover, it appears Romero understands his current role. "Signing a new contract with New York City FC means a lot to me," he told newyorkcityfc.com. "I’m grateful for the trust the Club has shown in me and for the opportunity to continue working alongside a great group of teammates and coaches. My focus is on continuing to improve every day and helping the team achieve its goals.”

Romero has always been well-liked by supporters, and he is a great backup goalkeeper. It is good to see that he will stay with NYCFC.

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