NYCFC signs versatile player Alonso Martínez through 2025

On Friday, New York City FC had some good news after the loss to the Red Bulls the night before. The club announced another addition to the roster: Alonso Martínez. The Costa Rican player was signed from fellow City Football Group club, Lommel SK. His contract runs through 2025 and there are options for the next two seasons.

Martínez, who NYCFC identified as a forward, is extremely versatile with where he can play. With Lommel, he predominantly played as a right-winger. As such, he will compete with Julián Fernández for the starting role.

However, Martínez has played many games as a right midfielder. Hence, he is not just a forward. At the same time, he has experience playing as a center-forward, left-winger, and even a few matches as a right-back. But do not expect him there; likely, the Pigeons will utilize him the most as a winger.

Alonso Martínez is another solid summer signing for NYCFC

In addition, Martínez has proven he can score and act as a provider, which NYCFC needs. In 36 appearances, he has eight goals and nine assists with Lommel. Overall, he has 38 goals and 27 assists in 154 professional appearances. Hopefully, the 24-year-old can use that experience to help skyrocket NYCFC to wins for the remainder of the season.

While 2023 can best be described as ugly, Sporting Director, David Lee, has been extremely active in the secondary transfer window. While the impact is unknown for the rest of the season, at least he has tried to improve the squad with the new signings. At the very least, NYCFC will have a head start for 2024, and Lee expressed this in his comments to NYCFC.com:

"We are excited to welcome Alonso to New York. Alonso is a player with great experience for his age, having played extensively in the Concacaf region, both domestically and for the Costa Rica National Team, as well as becoming a key player for Lommel SK across the last year and a half in Europe. He is an exciting attacking player who is entering his prime and will add more depth and competition to our front line both this year and in seasons to come."

- David Lee

The battle between Martínez and Fernández will be one to watch. At least the Costa Rican has the versatility to help him fight for a starting role. Moreover, will the club attempt to see whether he can be the backup to Mounsef Bakrar? He can play up front and center, but how well is yet to be known.

These are exciting times for New York City FC. Yes, these are the signings that should have been made before the start of the season. Alas, at least they are here now, and hopefully, the final ten games will see more wins than losses and draws.