Earlier this morning, New York City FC announced that Nicolás Acevedo joined Esporte Club Bahia on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee. Both New York City and Bahia are owned by City Football Group.
Acevedo joined New York City in 2020 for a reported $2.5 million fee. The 25-year-old midfielder spent the last two years with Bahia, and was rumored to join the team as far back as mid-November. Speculation that Acevedo was with Bahia increased after he wasn't included on NYCFC's list of unprotected players in the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft: As it was doubtful that he was among the 12 players protected by the club, odds were that he was no longer with the team.
Acevedo was a part of the team that won the 2021 MLS Cup, and he became a regular starter in 2022 after James Sands went to Rangers FC on loan. But the defensive midfielder went to Bahia on loan at the end of the 2022 season – he last played for New York City in the 2022 Eastern Conference Final – and after Sands returned to New York City in 2023 with a new four-year contract it became unlikely that Acevedo would be recalled by New York City.
Below is the full statement from New York City FC:
Monday, Dec 16, 2024 at 09:59 AM
New York City FC today announced that it has transferred Midfielder Nicolás Acevedo to Brazilian side Esporte Clube Bahia on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee. New York City FC will also receive a percentage of any future transfer fees received if he is sold in the future.
Since joining Bahia on loan in 2023, the midfielder has featured in 61 matches for the Brazilian team tallying two assists. Having suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee at the end of 2023, Acevedo returned to the pitch this season and went on to make seven appearances for the club.
While in New York, the Uruguayan midfielder featured in 67 games winning MLS Cup and Campeones Cup with the ‘Boys in Blue.’
