Saad Abdul-Salaam loaned to Phoenix Rising

New York City FC have announced that they have sent displaced right back Saad Abdul-Salaam to USL club Phoenix Rising FC on loan with the right to recall at any time.

Abdul-Salaam — who was purchased from Sporting Kansas City prior to the 2018 season — was, at first, a consistent cog in the NYCFC machine. The American right back started three consecutive games early on in the season against Orlando City, the New England Revolution, and the San Jose Earthquakes on March 17, March 24, and March 31 respectively.

Following this healthy spurt of minutes, Abdul-Salaam would not make another appearance until his being subbed on against FC Dallas on April 29 in what would ultimately be a 3-1 win. Since then, he has not appeared once for the Bronx Blues.

Going to Phoenix Rising — a club that is steadily gaining popularity and traction within the American second division — is a good opportunity for the former SKC defender. Obviously, Domé Torrent and NYCFC are moving in a different direction for now. But that’s not to say that he won’t be needed down the line.

We at Hudson River Blue wish Saad the best of luck in his new adventure and look forward to seeing him back in the blue Etihad shirt somewhere down the line.