One big transfer need for NYCFC before MLS primary transfer window closes | OneFootball

After a reasonably strong start to the season, back-to-back defeats for New York City FC have the Cityzens sliding down to 11th in the Eastern Conference, on the outside of the early playoff picture looking in.

What's more, City's offseason was among the least active in all of MLS in terms of adding new talent from outside the league, an oddity considering the club had gained a reputation in recent years for unearthing young gems from South America.

With two weeks to go until the primary transfer window closes, the blue half of New York may be the Eastern Conference team most in need of making a move now, instead of waiting for the summer window, particularly if that move is for a creative attacking midfielder.

The departure of Santi Rodriguez to Brazilian giants Botafogo has left a gaping hole in the Cityzens' setup, one that became particularly obvious in last weekend's 2-1 loss to Minnesota United.

While City did create loads of chances -- particularly in the second half -- and also saw Alonso Martinez miss a penalty, it was clear they didn't quite have the technical polish to unlock MNUFC's low block to the extent you'd expect of a home favorite.

What about De Bruyne?

NYCFC has a Designated Player spot open, which is why it seemed likely to some that Kevin De Bruyne could come to New York if he did make a move to MLS after winding up his Manchester City career.

The clubs are partners after all, and unlike De Bruyne's rumored connection to Miami, the Belgian would be the undisputed star of the show at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. Plus he'd help the club build momentum toward the opening of their new ground sometime in 2027.

But even if De Bruyne is in the team's summer plans, there's a pressing need for another creator now. At age 38, Maxi Moralez isn't capable of a 90-minute role anymore. And City's analytics showing their expected goals (xG) for and against as virtually even hide the fact that they've already been the beneficiaries of two penalties while conceding none. Their non-penalty xG differential is roughly -1.5.

Making a move -- particularly for a young, up-and-coming Latin player who would be cost-effective -- doesn't prevent NYCFC from still adding De Bruyne later. But by the time the Belgian could theoretically join NYCFC in league play, two-thirds of the regular season would be gone, and there might be significantly more ground to make up than there is now.