Why NYCFC must keep Andrés Perea

Andrés Perea joined New York City FC on loan from the Philadelphia Union in July. He made an immediate impact since playing for the boys in city blue. He is expected to return to Philadelphia at the end of the year.

However, NYCFC must decide if they want to try and retain the Colombian American for the 2024 season. As a defensive midfielder, there are several good reasons why the club should consider keeping him after proving that he can be a starter.   

NYCFC should keep Andrés Perea

NYCFC already announced their end-of-the-season roster decisions, which included denying the options of Alfredo Morales and Matías Pellegrini. This decision could have been to make room for Perea possibly. However, it leaves questions about who will be starting in the midfield for 2024.  

Morales struggled with consistency, which is why Perea got the chance to start over him. He was also a more effective midfielder, scoring a goal while winning over 80 percent of his tackles attempted in 10 matches with NYCFC.  

It is not a surprise that when a player in MLS has consistently good seasons, they attempt to move on to European clubs. This was the story of Valentín Castellanos, Jack Harrison, and Alexander Callens, along with several others.   

As such, there have been rumors that NYCFC could sell Keaton Parks to a European club, with heavy interest from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. He has been a vital part of the club since joining in 2019, winning two trophies during his five years in the Big Apple. With his future in limbo, NYCFC should still be in good hands if they keep Perea in the team.   

A possible midfield without Parks could be both James Sands and Perea in the defensive midfield, lined up with Santiago Rodríguez or a healthy Maxi Moralez in the attacking midfield. Justin Haak is another option defensively, while Richard Ledezma could be an attacking option. Of course, the club would need to sign him on a permanent contract.

Though only playing for two months, Perea transitioned easily to the team while sliding in well with the team’s chemistry. NYCFC has several players from South America, with Perea being the only one with Colombian roots. However, South American chemistry is shown in the lineup, which is why the Bronx side has improved since the midfielder's arrival.   

It is also a big plus that Perea is young, as he turns 23 years old on Tuesday. He will also enter his fifth season in the league, joining in 2020 with Orlando City SC. A young, experienced midfielder is what NYCFC needs, especially if Parks leaves next year.   

A decision on his future is expected to be announced in the next months. Therefore, New York City FC should prioritize Perea and keep him in the Big Apple for the 2024 season.