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After New York City FC’s lackluster performance in the MLS is Back Tournament, we at Hudson River Blue have opined that perhaps a small shakeup is in order in an effort to regain some kind of momentum should the 2020 MLS season continue after proceedings in Orlando have concluded. And if rumors are to be believed, the team itself were in line to do just that.
A few days ago — and apparently right under our noses — it was reported by PortugueseSoccer.com that NYCFC had made an offer to Portuguese giants Sporting CP in an effort to procure the services of veteran defender Luis Neto. And apparently, things didn’t go well.
Record: #SportingCP Neto rejects offer from New York City FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) to continue with Sporting CP.
— PortugueseSoccer.com ⚽️ (@PsoccerCOM) August 1, 2020
There is an agreement in principal with Rio Ave for Dala & Geraldes for Nuno Santos. pic.twitter.com/Bx8s14M4jr
If the Portuguese tabloid is to be believed, the 32-year-old Neto — a semi-regular member of Portugal’s national team — turned down City’s effort to stay in Lisbon. According to his Transfermarkt page, Neto has a transfer market value of approximately $1.76 million.
If NYCFC are looking for a defensive shakeup, it seems they will have to look elsewhere.