New York City wheel & deal in day of MLS roster moves

Earlier today, New York City added defender Josh Williams to their roster by way of a trade with Columbus Crew SC. Unlike fellow expansion club Orlando City, who were terrifically active today, the club kept their moves to a minimum, adding an international roster slot, and executing a complicated trade-and-transfer move with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

In a trade with DC United, New York City added an international roster slot in exchange for allocation money. With that roster slot, the club now can sign a total of nine international players; striker David Villa and midfielder Frank Lampard hold two of those spots, leaving seven open.

Now, the trade-and-transfer with the Whitecaps, which involved striker Omar Salgado. This gets a little complicated. Salgado, who was the number one overall draft pick in the 2011 Super Draft, had made no secret of his desire to play overseas. Given his lack of playing time -- he only had eight appearances this season, and a broken foot cost him the entire 2013 season -- his exit from Vancouver was a near-certainty. However, just letting him walk meant that Vancouver would lose him for nothing, most likely through the expansion draft, given his talent.

Enter New York City. While the terms of the deal weren't disclosed (the ever-useful "future considerations" were mentioned, but allocation money is likely involved), the club acquired Salgado's rights, should he return to MLS. Moreover, they will then flip Salgado, by way of a transfer, to an unspecified foreign club.

What does Vancouver get? In addition to the allocation money, the Whitecaps get sell-on rights along with New York City, once the transfer takes place. Salgado, who trained at Chivas de Guadalajara before choosing to play for the United States internationally, is highly regarded in Liga MX. You can expect Xolos de Tijuana, Tigres (who are playing for the Liga MX title this week), and other clubs to be involved.

What does New York City get? The transfer fee, as well as Salgado's MLS rights.

All in all, it's a solid deal. Salgado has loads of potential, but that's all it is; it hasn't come good yet.

Now, we wait for the release of the protected player lists this evening.