Starts: 43
Minutes: 3,840
Age: 24
Key Stat: 43 starts — he started every game possible for NYCFC
When Justin Haak spoke to the media after New York City’s 0-2 loss to the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinals last November, he was blunt about his future.
“I’m looking to become a starter somewhere, whether that’s at (NYCFC) or somewhere else.”
Haak, who still had one year left on his contract at the time, ultimately stayed with NYCFC. It was a decision that paid off, as the 24-year-old had a career year in 2025: Haak started in all 43 games, played a team-high 3,840 minutes, notched five assists, and scored twice. First-year head coach Pascal Jansen entrusted him from the season opener, and he never looked back: The homegrown was one of two New York City players to start all 34 regular-season games in 2025.
But Haak is now out of contract, and has interest from other clubs. New York City are negotiating with the Homegrown, but it’s unclear if he will return next year.
Hudson River Blue Staff
From substitute to starter
Looking back, it’s fair to see why Haak said he was looking to become a starter. He had the talent to play 90 minutes every game, and he proved it in 2025.
Haak had just six MLS starts in 2024, when he was mainly used as a substitute. But as former NYCFC defender Birk Risa‘s health and form began to dip at the end of the season, Haak took the starting spot in central defense and never looked back. Haak started the final four games of the regular season and three of New York City’s four playoff games.
Paired with Thiago Martins at center back, the duo led NYCFC to one of the best defenses in MLS, conceding 44 goals — tied for the third-lowest in the league.
Often used as New York City’s Swiss army knife in the past as a player who could slot into a number of different positions, Haak created a role for himself in the backline in 2025. He totaled the second-most blocks in MLS (56), the eighth-most interceptions (45), the 22nd-most recoveries (150), and the 29th-most clearances (135).
But Haak came up as a midfielder. Because of this, Jansen created a hybrid role for Haak, allowing him to move into the midfield and contribute to the attack when New York City has possession.
That position did wonders for Haak, as he recorded one goal and four assists in the regular season. Those five goal involvements are not only the most of any defender this year, they put him above Nico Fernández Mercau and AndrĂ©s Perea, and level with AgustĂn Ojeda.
As you’d expect of a former midfielder, Haak is good with the ball at his feet. He completed 1,719 passes for a total distance of 30,651 yards, both the 18th-most in MLS. Most of his passes (966) were completed between 15 and 30 yards, the eighth-most in the league.
Playing in different positions and consistently performing, Haak remains NYCFC’s most versatile player. He’s solid as a center-back and can also be trusted in the midfield, giving New York City flexibility when other key players are missing.
Will Haak be back next season?
After the best season of his young career, Haak is out of contract and already has interest from the EFL Championship, Bundesliga, and (reportedly) 16 other MLS teams.
According to Christian Arnold from the New York Post, the talks between Haak’s team and NYCFC are “getting better” and “picked up a little bit” as the season went on.
If Haak walks away for free, it would be a huge loss for New York City. The homegrown midfielder-turned-defender proved he’s a starter and has quickly turned into one of NYCFC’s most important players. After New York City hired Todd Dunivant as the club’s newest Sporting Director, re-signing Haak should be at the top of his to-do list.
Who are the European teams that are showing interest?
According to the am New York article linked above, there are at least 6 EFL Championship teams that have shown interest, though only Coventry City and Middlesbrough were named specifically. Also a couple of teams in the Bundesliga which weren’t named.