Early NYCFC rumors: December 2023

The MLS trade and free agency window has officially opened, with most teams around the league already making early moves. NYCFC has yet to feature in the noise, plus with the holidays coming up, the boys in city blue are expected to stay quiet until the start of the new year. They did participate in the MLS SuperDraft, choosing Malachi Jones from Lipscomb University and Taylor Calheira from UMBC. Additionally, Matt Freese and Kevin O'Toole have signed contract extensions.  

As far as transfer rumors are concerned, NYCFC has only been associated with a few players. However, this does not mean the team will not be active in the transfer window after a disappointing 2023 season. On the bright side, they will likely keep an important lineup member longer than expected. 

The latest NYCFC transfer rumors as of December 2023

Daniel Pereira to the Big Apple?

Daniel Pereira is set to leave Austin FC with several teams interested in the midfielder. LAFC is the rumored front-runner to sign him, but NYCFC also has an interest in him. He would be a perfect addition to the midfield, especially since Maxi Moralez is not expected to recover in time for the start of the season after his ACL injury. Since joining the league in 2021, Pereira has recorded 75 starts in MLS, totaling two goals and 12 assists with an 89.37 percent passing rate.   

NYCFC could be signing another international player

The Pigeons did a good job in signing Mitja Ilenič, Mounsef Bakrar, and Julián Fernández this past season, but the team is looking for more. Rumors have been circulating that they are interested in Kosovan star Lumbardh Dellova.

According to the reports, he has been jumping from team to team within the last few seasons, with his current contract with FC Ballkani set to expire in June. As a center-back, he recorded 80 appearances since 2021, scoring ten goals in that span.  

Andrés Perea is here to stay  

Per multiple reports, it looks to be that Andrés Perea will remain with NYCFC beyond his loan spell with the Philadelphia Union. Manager Jim Curtin has said he is working on a deal that fits both parties, with Perea better suited to play in the Bronx.

He has developed chemistry with the midfield as well while finding ways to create goals in the attacking third. In 10 matches played with NYCFC, Perea started eight of them while logging a goal, eight interceptions, two clean sheets, and an 83.8 percent passing rate. Out of everyone, he is the most likely to be with New York City FC in 2024.