Thiago Martins is reportedly no longer a DP, and that is monumental for NYCFC

Since he was signed in 2022, Thiago Martins has been somewhat divisive due to his contract. The center-back was signed as a Designated Player. If the defender is the best of the best, then such a move makes sense. However, the Brazilian took a few years to even be deemed as one of the best defenders, and even then, the argument that he should not be a DP stood.

Based on the last couple of seasons, Martins has grown into a beloved player for many of the supporters. While he is no Maxime Chanot, the center-back has turned into someone who represents the crest with pride. Still, the idea that he should not be a DP remained. And now, it appears the NYCFC player will no longer be one.

Thiago Martins is no longer a DP for NYCFC

To understand this, it is important to know that the Boys in Blue are reportedly signing a new forward who will be signed as a DP. According to Tom Bogert and Sebastian Stafford-Bloor of The Athletic, the Bronx team is about to sign Moussa Sylla from Fußballclub Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04 e. V., or FC Schalke 04. The Mali international has four goals this season in the 2nd Bundesliga, but had a season best of 16 in the previous campaign.

Alonso Martínez's ACL tear meant that NYCFC desperately needed a new center-forward to relieve the shock of losing the Costa Rican's goals. Sylla does this as he is a striker. At the same time, he can play on the wings, especially on the right side.

As such, Bogert is reporting that the Pigeons have bought down Martins' contract. As a result, he is no longer a DP, which means Sylla will become the third DP on the roster. This is great news since the club really needed to use a DP spot for a scoring forward. Talles Magno, who is being given a chance in preseason to rejoin the squad, is not guaranteed to play as he should. Then, Nicolás Fernández Mercau will help with goals, but should not be relied on to score 15 or more.

Moreover, as good as Martins has been in the last two years compared to his first two, he should never have been brought in as a DP. NYCFC's best defenders in club history never made the salary that the Brazilian has made, and it has hurt the Boys in Blue. By making this change, the team was immediately able to sign a DP attacker, pending that the reports turn into reality.

This was a monumental move that fans have been calling for since 2022. Of course, there were issues about whether Martins could even change his contract in the last few years based on Major League Soccer rules. Perhaps there could have been a change, though. But when all is said and done, the defender never should have been a DP.

Now, NYCFC fans, if they want to, can fully love Martins and what he brings to the team.