Sporting Director Claudio Reyna leaves NYCFC for Austin FC

New York City FC announced today that Sporting Director Claudio Reyna has decided to leave the club in favor of joining MLS expansion team Austin FC who will begin play in 2021.

Reyna has served as NYCFC’s Sporting Director since the club’s foundation in 2013 and had been a driving force in the team being able to attain quality players such as, but not limited to David Villa, Frank Lampard, and Maxi Moralez in his six-year tenure.

Effectively immediately, club Technical Director David Lee — who has worked as Reyna’s right hand man — will take over as Sporting Director moving forward.

“I’d like to thank everyone here at NYCFC; our players, Sporting Department, support staff and the front office,” Reyna said in the official press release. “It’s been a tremendous honor and I cherish the memories and friends I’ve made over the last six years.

‘’I couldn’t be happier for David Lee to take over the position of Sporting Director. David and I have worked hand in hand over the last six years and he is without doubt one of the most talented and well-respected executives in the league. Under David’s leadership, and with this continuity, I know the Sporting Department and team will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Under Reyna’s watch, NYCFC has become a regular season powerhouse, accumulating the most amount of points since 2016, earning four straight playoff appearances, and having established one of the country’s best youth development programs.

With NYCFC in the midst of a major transitional period, new SD David Lee will have his work cut out for him as he prepares to lead the club into what could become a very telling 2020 season.