Age: 21
Position: Left Wing, Striker (kidding!)
Key Stat: 7 – the total number of goals and assists in 34 matches in 2023
As rumors continue to swirl regarding a possible transfer away for Brazilian forward Talles Magno, the former MLS Cup Champion has work to do in 2024 to justify his current value.
High ceiling, but where's the floor?
Talles Magno is a polarizing figure in the eyes of the New York City FC fanbase. Those who extensively followed the club know just how good Talles Magno can be. With an impactful season off the bench in 2021 during NYCFC's MLS Cup run, and eight goals and eight assists in 2022, the 2023 season was supposed to be the year Talles Magno officially reached stardom in the MLS.
TALLES MAGNO FOR THE LATE LEAD IN THE CONFERENCE FINAL! 🗽⚽️ pic.twitter.com/29xPGPwcit
— New York City Football Club (@NYCFC) December 5, 2021
However, due to a wide variety of factors, that trajectory did not continue in 2023. The Brazilian's overall game trended back downward, as he managed a dismal four goals and two assists in 30 MLS matches, as well as just one assist in the Leagues Cup and US Open Cup.
To address the elephant in the room: Yes, Talles Magno was played out of position. He spent a good part of 2023 operating as a central striker in the wake of the transfer of Taty Castellanos to Girona FC in La Liga before the season began.
However, when the Brazilian was eventually moved back to the left wing, his performances didn't pick up. Whether it was cameos off the bench, or being dropped from the squad altogether, something wasn't clicking between Talles Magno and Head Coach Nick Cushing despite the latter being adamant that he had full faith in the Brazilian at all points throughout the season:
Must Watch: @NYCFC Head Coach Nick Cushing on Talles Magno’s role with the squad going forward, before diving into an inspirational speech Hollywood couldn’t have written.
— Mark Radigan (@mark_radigan) August 31, 2023
“Every single guy in that room is all in for this team, all in for the playoffs, whether they’re in the… pic.twitter.com/yZUcvDfUTU
The $20 million kid?
Something has to give for the Brazilian starlet eventually. It doesn't matter if he's a part of NYCFC or in a different league altogether, Talles Magno needs to prove his value.
Right now, that value is $10.7 million, according to Transfermarkt. According to recent transfer rumors, it might be closer to $15 million (what Atletico Miniero of the Brazilian Série A are willing to pay), or $20 million (what NYCFC want).
Talles Magno Updates:
— NYCFC Xtra (@NYCFC_Xtra) February 16, 2024
🇧🇷 - #NYCFC have continued talks with Atletico Miniero but cannot agree on a figure as AM wants $15m and #NYCFC wants closer to $20m 🤷♂️
🇧🇷 - City Football Group Partner Bahia has not opened formal negotiations for Magno. They are keeping on their radar 👀 pic.twitter.com/gezg1YjZJb
Originally tipped for a switch to the Italian Serie A by way of Bologna FC, it now seems that the Brazilian's most likely suitor is Atletico Miniero. Talks have been ongoing over the past week, as the Brazilian club and NYCFC are negotiating a possible transfer fee for the 21-year-old.
It remains to be seen what will be done with Talles Magno. Given the offseason arrivals of Hannes Wolf and Augustin Ojeda, two wingers capable of playing on the left, it seems that NYCFC and City Football Group are preparing for life without their Brazilian starboy.
However, if Talles Magno does remain with the club for the 2024 campaign, expect the Brazilian to play with a chip on his shoulder since he still has much to prove.
