Captain and star Maxime Chanot is out at NYCFC

Before the transfer window closes on Friday, New York City FC star Maxime Chanot will have a new team. That means another member of the 2021 MLS Cup Championship team will have moved on. While this move isn’t a surprise, losing another veteran on the heels of already seeing Alexander Callens take off for Girona FC earlier this season, it is clear –  veterans have been shown the door the past two seasons, as NYCFC continues to rebuild. 

Maxime Chanot is leaving NYCFC

A source confirmed to Skyscraper Blues that the Luxembourg international has played his final game for the Pigeons. “His time is up here, unfortunately,” the source confirmed. “We’ve added what we believe are strong players at that position recently and the team feels his time may just be up.” 

The players the source was referring to are Thiago Martins and Birk Risa,  both of whom will receive increased minutes in Chanot’s absence. Both players are also significantly younger at 28 and 25 respectively. “Birk just gives us a really strong option at center-back,” the source said. 

As for Chanot’s next team, while there has been no official destination named, multiple unconfirmed reports have him going to AC Ajaccio of France’s Ligue 2.  The French club is currently in 13th place this season after four games.

Chanot joins Callens, Valentín Castellanos, Anton Tinnerholm, Héber, Sean Johnson, Nicolás Acevedo, and Gedion Zelalem among the many who have exited the NYCFC project since their victory in 2021. He also joins the numerous players who have left this season.

Outside of bringing back Maxi Moralez, a transfer deal for Chanot falls in line with NYCFC's moves from before the season began. They are shedding salaries, veterans, and bringing back a profit to reinvest in younger players. All their moves this season were not only cost-saving, but have built capital leading up to 2027 when they will unveil a new stadium and hopefully loosen the purse strings.

Before his impending departure, Chanot had become the longest-tenured player at New York City FC. He joined the organization in 2016 and made over 160 appearances in Major League Soccer. It is unknown whether his next stop will be in France, but the legend will be moving on.

11 AM Update: NYCFC announced Chanot is leaving the club.