Welcome to the 2025 edition of the Hudson River Blue Transfer Tracker, your one-stop-shop for all New York City FC transfer news and rumors. This page will be updated, like, every few seconds, so check back often.
• New York City leave 9 players exposed to Expansion Draft
December 10, 2024
Status: Official
NYCFC released the list of the nine players they will leave unprotected from the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft. It includes two strikers in Mounsef Bakrar and Jovan Mijatović, playmaker Maxi Moralez, and all three center-backs in Birk Risa, Strahinja Tanasijević, and Thiago Martins.
In addition, forward Thiago Andrade (on loan), defender Rio Hope Gund (option declined), and goalkeeper Tomás Romero are unprotected.
That's a lot of talent to leave exposed to San Diego FC, expansion team that will start playing next year.
Read more here.
• Jim Curtin to New York City?
December 9, 2024
Status: Rumor
We were tracking the Jim Curtin to NYCFC rumors on social media with some skepticism. It felt more like a "New York City needs a head coach? Curtin is a head coach!" line of reasoning than anything substantial. Same for Curtin's links to the position at Atlanta United.
But then NYCFC radio announcer Glenn Crooks posted an excerpt from The Sick Podcast he cohosts with Roberto Abramowitz in which he said "I got a text indirectly from an assistant coach in MLS, and the text just just had a picture of Jim Curtin, thinking that NYCFC has high interest in Curtin." You can watch the full clip below.
In the rumor-room for #NewYorkCityFC's new manager, former #DOOP coach Jim Curtin's name has come up.
— Glenn Crooks (@GlennCrooks) December 9, 2024
It came up for me recently from an #MLS insider who says he thinks Curtin is "the guy."
From last week's "NYCFC Views Live" - Watch👇#NYCFC @RobAbramowitz @sickpodnycfc pic.twitter.com/nTF9JOGAfP
A text from an assistant coach isn't exactly Fabrizio Romano "Let's Go!" territory. But it has us wondering: Could/would Curtin make the move to New York City?
He's unquestionably one of the best coaches in MLS, transforming an under-funded Philadelphia Union into a title contender. But he did it with a physical, high-pressing playing style that might not translate easily to NYCFC's possession-based philosophy. And then there's the bad blood between the two clubs as their rivalry evolved in recent years. But winning heals all wounds: Will we see Curtin's legendary collection of sneakers on the sidelines at Yankee Stadium/Citi Field/Red Bull Arena/Icahn Stadium next year?
• Luis Barraza to DC United
December 9, 2024
Status: Official
A rumor first reported in these pages two days ago was made official today: Luis Barraza joins DC United after spending his entire professional career with NYCFC.
The goalkeeper was selected by New York City in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, and spent most of his time with the club serving as a capable understudy to Sean Johnson. Barraza took over the starting role in 2023, but then lost it to new signing Matt Freese, who developed into one of the best goalkeepers in MLS.
Read more here.
• Kevin De Bruyne to New York City?
December 5, 2024
Status: Sketchy Rumor
The British press are linking Kevin De Bruyne with a move to NYCFC after news broke that the 33-year-old won't renew his contract at Manchester City. Last month, The Athletic reported that De Bruyne is interested in playing in MLS, and while some report that he was in talks with expansion side San Diego FC, The Telegraph reports that his destination will be within City Football Group to New York City.
We're skeptical here at HRB HQ, tbh. It brings to mind the 2017 rumor that Yaya Toure was on his way to the Bronx.
• Luis Barraza to DC United?
December 7, 2024
Status: Reputable Rumor
Longtime backup goalkeeper Luis Barraza will reportedly go to DC United in exchange for $50,000 in allocation money and unspecified add-ons even though the club just exercised his 2025 contract option. Neither New York City nor DC officially announced the trade, but transfer guru Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport reports it's a done deal.
Read more here.
• New York City FC announce 2025 roster moves
December 5, 2024
Status: Official
They took their sweet time, but New York City FC finally announced the club's end-of-season roster decisions.
You can read more here.
Hudson River Blue Staff
• Nick Cushing out as head coach
November 26, 2024
Status: Official
The longest-tenured head coach in New York City FC's short history, Nick Cushing was let go by the club just two days after crashing out of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs with a home loss to New York Red Bulls.
Read more about the decision here, and Cushing's legacy here.
From the archive:
• 2024 NYCFC Transfer Tracker
Hudson River Blue Staff
• 2023 NYCFC Transfer Tracker: Summer Window edition
Hudson River Blue Staff
• 2023 NYCFC Transfer Tracker
Hudson River Blue Staff
