Mounsef Bakrar's stint with NYCFC was unsuccessful despite hope | OneFootball

Well, the time has come.  After two years of hoping he would find himself after a fast start with New York City FC, Mounsef Bakrar has left the club.  The team announced on Friday, before the Leagues Cup match, that the striker had left and joined GNK Dinamo Zagreb on a permanent transfer.

It was clear Bakrar’s time with NYCFC was not successful.  Sporting Director David Lee told newyorkcityfc.com that the transfer was the right move.   “We believe that a transfer back to Europe at this time is best for all parties and we wish Mounsef all the best in the next stage of his career,” he told the website.  This highlights that both the team and player were likely not happy with his production in City Blue.

Mounsef Bakrar struggled at NYCFC

The Algerian only scored ten goals with NYCFC, with his best season being 2023, in which he joined in the summer.  Then, he scored four goals in 13 matches, and it was thought he was going to be the striker for the Pigeons.  However, his struggles and multiple scoreless streaks hurt him in the end.  Plus, Alonso Martínez became the center-forward that Bakrar was supposed to be.

Again, he had a good start with NYCFC, but it just went downhill from there.  A change in scenery will likely do him a favor, and hopefully, he will regain his goal-scoring abilities.  He also just needs to improve again as a player.  Overall, he lacked production in all aspects of the game and was not influential in the attack like others can be when they do not score.

It is sad that his time with the Bronx and Queens team ended the way it did.  Here at Skyscraper Blues, there was plenty of hope for him when he signed with the Pigeons and started his first few games.  Alas, the beautiful game can be cruel, and sometimes moves do not work out as planned.

Bakrar still made good memories despite the struggles.  He said, “It’s been an incredible experience playing for New York City.  I want to thank everyone at the Club for making me feel at home from day one.  I take with me wonderful memories from my time here and thank all of my teammates, staff and fans for all the support.  I’ll be following the team closely and wishing everyone all the best for the rest of the season.”

His time in the Big Apple was not successful, but Bakrar’s talent is there.  Hopefully, he will find himself again in Croatia.  At the very least, NYCFC fans will remember his game-winning goal in the Hudson River Derby last year.