In the second transfer announcement of the day, New York City FC traded center-back Tony Alfaro to LA Galaxy for up to $500,000 in General Allocation Money. NYCFC is guaranteed $125,000 in 2023 GAM, and up to $375,000 in additional GAM if “certain performance metrics are met,” according to the statement issued moments ago by the club.
The deal doesn’t come as a surprise. Alfaro joined NYCFC from DC United in December 2022, but the 30-year-old never found his place in the club’s lineup. New York City lost star center-back Alexander Callens to La Liga’s Girona FC in the offseason, which created an opportunity for Alfaro to see regular playing time. But he didn’t get on the field until Matchday 14, or make a start until Matchday 15.
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More pointedly, Alfaro hasn’t seen any minutes in the last four matches despite NYCFC finding themselves short-handed at center-back. In recent games, Cushing placed 20-year-old right-back Tayvon Gray and 21-year-old defensive midfielder Justin Haak in a back-three with Maxime Chanot, rather than play Alfaro and Chanot in a back-four. Earlier in the season, Cushing played defensive midfielder James Sands as a center-back over Alfaro.
NYCFC now has just two primary center-backs in the First Team, Chanot and Thiago Martins. Rumors are swirling that the club is in the market for a young left-footed center-back to bolster the defense.
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Here is the complete statement from NYCFC:
New York City Football Club Trades Defender Tony Alfaro to the LA Galaxy
Tuesday, Jul 11, 2023 at 01:59 PM
New York City Football Club today announced that it has traded Defender Tony Alfaro to the LA Galaxy in exchange for up to $500,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM).
The Club will receive a guaranteed $125,000 in 2023 GAM with an additional $375,000 in GAM if certain performance metrics are met.
Sporting Director David Lee said: “We would like to thank Tony for his contributions to the Club. Since his arrival Tony’s professionalism and leadership played an important role on the squad. We wish Tony all the best in Los Angeles.”
The Mexican defender was acquired in the offseason as a free agent having previously played in Major League Soccer and Liga MX. This season, Alfaro has made seven appearances for the ‘Boys in Blue’ in Major League Soccer and the US Open Cup combined.
Defender Tony Alfaro said: “I would like to thank everyone at the Club for everything they have done for me. It was an honor to represent this great City and Club, I wish everyone in New York all the best the rest of the season and am looking forward to this new challenge.”
Transaction: New York City Football Club trades Defender Tony Alfaro in exchange for up to $500,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), with $125,000 in 2023 GAM guaranteed.
