New York City FC makes Moralez 3rd Designated Player

Maximiliano Moralez will become New York City FC’s third Designated Player upon the receipt of his P1 Visa and ITC following a transfer from Liga MX outfit Club Leon.

The one-time Argentina international has signed a three-year contract with Patrick Vieira’s side.

“I know that the league is growing a lot and we have a lot of great players – I’m looking forward to playing with players like David Villa and Andrea Pirlo who are two world-class champions who have achieved a lot in their careers,” the winger said on Wednesday.

Moralez, 29, joined Leon from Atalanta for the start of 2016 after spending four-and-a-half years with the Serie A club, where he scored 18 goals and contributed 20 assists. He only started 14 league matches for Leon after his switch, however.

“To have a quality coach like Patrick Vieira, who has been one of the best in his position, recognized worldwide, is something that will help me immensely,” Moralez continued. “With the experiences he’s had in his career, it will be very important to help make this club great.”

Moralez assumes the Designated Player spot vacated by the now-retired Frank Lampard, and his versatility should allow the opportunity to partner on either side of David Villa in the attack, or even play a free role in a forward-thinking midfield berth.

NYCFC begins its 2017 campaign with a trip to Orlando City – which has been supplemented by the offseason arrivals of Will Johnson and Josh Saunders – on March 5.