NYCFC signs Zidane Yañez to a Homegrown contract

On Friday, New York City FC continued to make moves from within the club for 2024. After extending Matt Freese and Kevin O'Toole, the team announced they have signed Zidane Yañez to a Homegrown contract. The 15-year-old is a forward who has plenty of potential. He joined the Academy in 2021 where he has made most of his appearances with the U17 side.

NYCFC signs Zidane Yañez as they look to build for the future

The contract will keep Yañez with NYCFC until 2028. There is an option for 2029. Nonetheless, the move illuminates the Pigeons' continued commitment to the Academy and its youth.

It is expected that Yañez will not make his first team debut for some time. Nonetheless, the MLS Next Pro side allows him to earn professional minutes. Moreover, he could possibly train with Nick Cushing's side once preseason begins and throughout the year.

Sporting Director David Lee had this to say about the rising talent and why they secured his signing. He told NYCFC.com the following:

"We are delighted that Zidane has become the latest player from our Academy to sign a professional contract with the Club. He has worked incredibly hard to improve and develop his game since joining the Academy with the support and guidance of our talented coaching staff, and we are excited that he has decided to take the next steps of his career in New York.
"He has excellent all-round attributes as a forward with good technical ability and movement, excellent tactical understanding of the role combined with a first-class work rate out of possession which is critical in the modern game. Most of all, though, he has consistently shown that he is a clinical goal scorer at every age group. We are looking forward to continuing to develop his game and ensure that his qualities improve, and his potential adapts to the professional level."

David Lee

If there is one position NYCFC has not developed well, then it is the striker position. If Yañez can develop into a clinical goal-scorer at the professional level, then the Pigeons may have found their diamond in the rough.

Signing the 15-year-old is a stellar decision by New York City FC. He still has to develop, but at least the Pigeons can rest easy, knowing other teams cannot just steal him away.