NYCFC land teen midfielder through Manchester City loan
New York City FC announced Tuesday they have signed defensive midfielder Yangel Herrera on loan from sister club Manchester City.
The Venezuelan national will spend the entire MLS season, which begins March 5, with NYCFC.
Herrera completed a transfer from Atletico Venezula to the English giants just weeks ago, and presumably is making the move stateside for playing time.
The 19-year-old said he is excited to play under NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira, who played the same position during his playing days.
“I know I’ll be able to learn a lot,” Herrera said in a press release. “I want to absorb all the good things from Patrick and the other players.”
Herrera, who appeared in 32 games for Atletico, got his first senior team cap for Venezuela in October. He also captained his country’s Under-20 team to third place at the South American Under-20 Championships this year.
“He’s a tactically intelligent midfielder who is strong in the tackle and reads the game well,” said Vieira, who added he thinks Herrera can make an immediate impact. “Yangel also has good passing range and spatial awareness, which is crucial for a player in his position.”
NYCFC have signed 11 new players this season, expanding a roster that at times became bare last season.
Herrera also becomes the third player to join NYCFC on loan from Manchester City since the team’s inception in 2015, joining Shay Facey and Angelino.