NYCFC announced the first two signings of 2025: Jacob Arroyave and Prince Amponsah | OneFootball

Many New York City FC fans were waiting for the club to make the first signings for the 2025 season. The preseason begins on Monday, so roster additions are vital as the new campaign inches closer. While not many changes are expected, new players are necessary to replace the outgoing ones.

Finally, on Friday, NYCFC announced two new signings. The club added Homegrown players Jacob Arroyave and Prince Amponsah.

NYCFC's first two signings are Homegrown players

The Pigeons first announced the addition of NYCFC II player Arroyave. The 17-year-old signed through the 2027 season with an option for another year. He joins the first team after making 12 MLS Next Pro appearances in 2024. He mostly played in the central midfield and scored twice. It is unknown whether he will continue to play more with NYCFC II, as some signings have done over the past few years.

Moreover, Arroyave is recovering from an ACL injury. Therefore, it would not be surprising for the midfielder to at least start with NYCFC II when he returns and is ready to play. Plus, the team is once again highlighting their commitment to the youth in the academy and those on the MLS Next Pro team. NYCFC did not have to sign him while he was recovering and continues to do so, but clearly saw the potential and wanted to commit to him.

Arroyave is a talented young midfielder who should be given time to develop over the next few years. The addition of Pascal Jansen as the head coach, who is notorious for developing young players, should help him down the road.

NYCFC was not done on Friday. The team also signed Amponsah to a Homegrown contract. The 21-year-old signed for the 2025 season and has options through 2028.

Amponsah spent four years with the NYCFC Academy before attending Wake Forest University. He spent his entire collegiate career there, playing 92 matches and captaining the team in 2024. The center-back helped lead his college team to a 12-5-7 record and an ACC Men's Soccer Championship.

Similar to Arroyave, it is unknown how Amponsah will be utilized this season. He will have to prove to Jansen that he is ready to play in Major League Soccer. It helps he is a center-back, for the Pigeons need depth in that position.

The addition of these two young players is a good start for NYCFC. Of course, they must bring in a few veterans or young players who can immediately contribute. One should expect more additions over the next couple of months.