Hannes Wolf joins NYCFC, but is he the right signing?

After making their first move outside the club, New York City FC has announced another signing.  On Tuesday, the Pigeons announced the club has signed Hannes Wolf.  His contract is through 2027, with an option for 2028.  The Austrian was recently with Joe Scally’s team, Borussia Mönchengladbach.  He scored five times during his time with the German club. 

After struggling to find playing time, his contract was rumored to have been terminated.  That is not clear though, especially since NYCFC said they acquired the player.

Hannes Wolf is the latest NYCFC signing                                                                

Wolf has been playing as a left-winger, which is where Talles Magno plays for NYCFC.  Subsequently, it questions whether the forward will seek a move before the start of the season.  At the same time, the club might believe he can find his form, and Wolf is a depth and insurance piece signing. 

Moreover, his versatility with where he can play does not necessarily mean he is to replace Magno, despite the growing rumors.  In fact, Sporting Director David Lee mentioned his ability to play in several attacking positions.

Rather, the 24-year-old is most known as an attacking midfielder.  He can play there or on either side of the wings.  Occasionally, he has been used as a center-forward. 

His best season in Germany came during the 2020-2021 season with Gladbach, where he appeared in 32 of 34 Bundesliga matches.  Over half of his appearances saw him come in as a substitute, but he still saw playing time.  Last season saw the midfielder only earn 439 minutes.  Then, he did not make an appearance in the current campaign.

As a result, Wolf’s lack of playing time and the inability to live up to his full potential makes the signing a risk.  NYCFC needs difference-makers and not players full of questions.

Alas, he is here.  It is nice to see the Pigeons make another signing.  Whether he will be successful at New York City FC is unknown.  Hopefully, he is not another attacking player brought in by the team that ends with supporters wishing he was never signed.