Pascal Jansen's comments from press conference make sense with rumored player

When New York City FC Head Coach Pascal Jansen spoke to the media for the first time in 2026, he was honest about the club and his players. He mentioned how he expressed that he wanted a player similar to Justin Haak, who did not re-sign with the Pigeons and went to the LA Galaxy. However, he said that "all spots are filled" to imply that the Bronx side was not going to add another center-back or defensive midfielder.

What fans did not know at the time was that Jansen did not mean they were not going to sign anyone. Rather, based on reports, there was already a player to fill that spot.

Per ESPN, NYCFC is signing Kai Trewin from Melbourne City FC in Australia. This would be the first time in a long time that the Boys in Blue would benefit from a fellow City Football Group club. It is being reported that they will pay up to seven figures for the player.

NYCFC might be signing Kai Trewin

Now, the head coach was very transparent in his press conference, but it makes sense that he could not speak about any possible transfers. In Trewin's case, right now, his possible move to the Big Apple is based on reports. Nothing is fully true until the paper is signed and the team makes the announcement.

If the player does join NYCFC, then he will join his fellow Australian, Aiden O'Neill. This could aid in the adjustment to not just moving 16 hours behind, but to a new country. O'Neill signed with the Pigeons last season and is already loved by the fans.

Trewin will strive to have a similar impact, especially if he wants to be considered for the World Cup. The 24-year-old only made his debut for the national team in November, and moving to a new club might be a risk. It can take time for a player to get acclimated, and there is no guarantee that he will impact NYCFC in his first games.

The good news, again, if Trewin signs, is that he has a solid shot to be an immediate influence. He is a natural defender and could compete for the starting center-back role. In addition, he can play as a defensive midfielder, which he has done recently with Melbourne. In other words, compared to Haak, he can play the same positions, but he differs in that he is a natural defender, while Haak was a natural midfielder.

NYCFC would benefit by bringing in Trewin. There is no guarantee that he would start, but at least Jansen would have another center-back to add competition and depth. Hopefully, fans will know for sure whether the Aussie becomes a member of the team. Monday would be a great day for that since it is Australia Day.