Talles Magno leaves NYCFC on loan in the hope of relaunching his career

Sometimes, New York City FC players do not work out.  It could be due to the team tactics, the fact they could not adjust to a new league, and more.  If there is one player fans wish could have gone differently, then the answer is Talles Magno.  The Brazilian’s time with the Pigeons unfortunately did not go according to plan.  Now, he is on the move to hopefully return to his best form and relaunch his career.

NYCFC announced on Friday that Magno is going to Sport Club Corinthians Paulista on loan through June of 2025.  There is an option to extend the loan until the end of next year.  In addition, the Pigeons extended his contract through 2027, making this move a little surprising.  Nevertheless, fans have likely seen the last of the winger in a City Blue jersey.

The loan deal comes after he finally made a few appearances this summer, despite the fact he was healthy and fit.  Immediately the forward proved his worth, but now he will try to prove himself back in Brazil.  He must do so with a struggling Série A side, for Corinthians sits in 18th place.

David Lee, the Sporting Director of NYCFC, said, “Talles is a talented player who recently hasn’t seen as much playing time as both he and the club would have liked to further his development.  Given his huge potential, we believe that this is a great opportunity for Talles to continue to develop and play important minutes for a top Brazilian team in a very competitive league, while also having an opportunity to play in the Copa Sudamericana.”

Magno leaves NYCFC on loan due to a disservice by the club

In other words, NYCFC and Lee still believe in Magno but recognize a change in scenery is probably the best for him.  Of course, the club will not recognize they are part of the reason why things have not gone according to plan.

It is unfortunate Magno’s time with the Bronx side did not work out.  He had some impressive moments, including that goal against the Philadelphia Union in the 2021 MLS Cup playoffs that helped secure the Pigeons' place in the championship match.  His development was going well despite the setback with the initial injuries when he arrived.  Many thought he would turn into a Major League Soccer star.

That all changed though when Valentín Castellanos left in the summer of 2022.  NYCFC thought Magno could play up front and center, so they utilized him to replace the striker for the rest of 2022 and 2023.  The fans quickly realized the Brazilian was not a striker by any means and should have remained on the wings.  However, Nick Cushing, Lee, and the rest of the front office felt otherwise and continued to play him out of position.  This hurt his development and confidence, ultimately causing him to lose minutes in the second half of 2023.

After a few solid performances at the end of 2023, some fans thought 2024 would be the resurgence of Magno.  Sadly, an early injury kept him out for some time, but then there was the comment by the Brazilian himself, stating things were not good with him and Cushing.  In other words, many believed a tarnished relationship kept him off the pitch.  He eventually made a few appearances, shining when he played, but it was clear his time with NYCFC was coming to an end.

Hence, his move back to Brazil is not shocking.  He deserves to go where a club will help him develop and find himself again.  There is also the possibility he has a bitter taste in his mouth after the disservice of trying to change him into something he is not.  Hopefully, Corinthians will play him as a winger and nothing else.

Magno had the potential to be the best player in MLS and the next NYCFC star.  Maybe he would be on the way to Europe if he was properly developed and not forced to play as a striker for over a year.  The what-ifs with the Brazilian will haunt the team and fans for years to come.