Jonathan Shore must continue to play for NYCFC despite any new arrivals | OneFootball

On Thursday, July 24, the secondary transfer window will open. New York City FC and the rest of Major League Soccer can officially register new players to the team. They can also continue to make new signings, trade for players within the league, and bring in players via loan deals.

As such, NYCFC's recent signing, Nicolás Fernández Mercau, will be available pending all his paperwork is good to go. More signings are also expected, and likely more departures, other than Birk Risa, too.

Jonathan Shore must continue to play for NYCFC

However, one player's playing time could be threatened, and that is Jonathan Shore. The 18-year-old has burst onto the scene this year since he signed his initial contract in 2023. The addition of Fernández Mercau, and the eventual return of Keaton Parks from injury could limit his playing time.

But Head Coach Pascal Jansen must ensure that does not happen. The midfielder's potential is immense, and he has had multiple great performances. In a sense, he has stepped in well for James Sands and has fit into the defensive midfielder role despite spending a lot of time in the central midfield with NYCFC II. Of course, there is room for him to grow defensively.

Shore also is not afraid to move into the attack and take a shot here and there. His production in creating chances is not the best on the team by a long shot. Yet, there have been moments when his movement and passing ability have helped NYCFC in attacking sequences. In fact, he leads the team with an 88% successful passing percentage for players who have played ten matches or more.

Notably, he is in the middle of the pack for passes made, but his accuracy enhances his work in the midfield. It also helps with moving the ball up the pitch.

Therefore, Jansen must continue to give Shore minutes despite any new players. He has grown so much, especially under the head coach. A reduction in playing time could be detrimental to his development. Plus, he is a good player. He deserves to be on the pitch.

In addition, he could be the next Sands. He might not be the same player, but the goal should be to get him to have the same value to the team. Plus, Shore could possibly be the next player to head overseas, subsequently bringing in money for the team.

It is important for NYCFC to view the young player for now and the future. Jansen must ensure that he can continue to play regardless of current signings and those brought into the team.