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In a twist of M. Night Shyamalan proportions, it has been announced that former New York City FC midfielder Mix Diskerud has been signed by Premier League side Manchester City. The deal — originally announced by equipment provider Umbro — is for a reported 4 1⁄2 years.
Diskerud had played with NYCFC during its inaugural season and made appearances in 2016 before falling out with manager Patrick Vieira. Ultimately, Mix would have his contract bought out in 2017, leading to him being loaned out to Swedish club IFK Göteberg for the remainder of the year.
Delighted to report the news that @MixDiskerud will further be cementing his relationship with Umbro in our hometown, as he proudly continues his footballing development with a 4,5y Manchester City FC contract. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/JEYJdjoTPZ
— Umbro (@umbro) January 27, 2018
Ummmmmm... yeah. I awoke to this news and have no idea what to say about it. And apparently, neither does the Twittersphere:
Ready to hear any and all theories as to why Man City would possibly sign Mix Diskerud.
— Jason Davis, The ⚽ Maker (@davisjsn) January 27, 2018
No wonder Mix Diskerud struggled in MLS - he's a classic Guardiola player.
— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) January 27, 2018
I'm confused, too.
Not a single bit of this makes sense whatsoever and I love it
— Ponce De Leon (@Poncewasfirst) January 27, 2018
To say the absolute least, people are confused as to how Diskerud — a player hardly competent to play in MLS — could benefit a giant club like Manchester City, who are favorites to win the Premier League this season.
There may be a method to the Cityzens’ madness, however.
According to City Watch — an independent Manchester City news website and podcast — Diskerud will not play or train with the Blues’ first team and was snatched up the at the end of his deal with NYCFC with the intention of either loaning or selling him in the future.
City have taken over Mix Diskerud's contract after his NYCFC deal ended. He'll train at the CFA (not with the first team) until he finds a new club. [@Jack_Gaughan]
— City Watch (@City_Watch) January 27, 2018
Regardless of what happens to Diskerud overseas, I believe most NYCFC fans will be relieved that the long, precarious Mix saga is over at last.