New York City FC sign their new Designated Player

New York City Football Club are ready to defend their championship and on Monday they confirmed that Thiago Martins will join them for the start of the 2022 Major League Soccer regular season. The Brazilian defender arrives as a designated player and he will sign a three-year deal with an option for 2026.

NYCFC excited about Thiago Martins

“Thiago is a highly regarded defender who is entering the peak stages of his career,” NYCFC sporting director David Lee said in a release. “He has all the attributes we look for in a defender and we believe he will suit our style of play well and thrive in MLS.

“He’s a strong, quick and technically gifted player who is good on the ball, can play out of the back and will allow us to continue to play a high backline. He’s also a fantastic professional who was one of the captains in Yokohama and will be another strong leader for us both on and off the pitch.”

Martins arrived to MLS from Japanese first-division side Yokohama F. Marinos, who are also part of the global City Football Group. The 26-year-old started his playing career with Brazilian side Palmeiras and he made 50 appearances between 2013 to 2016. Once he joined Yokohama F. Marinos, he helped them win the 2019 league championship.