NYCFC Confirms 2027 Roster Moves as Moralez and Luighi Discussions Continue

NYCFC has announced its contract decisions ahead of the 2027 season, providing a clearer picture of the roster while leaving several situations unresolved.

The club exercised options for Nico Cavallo, Malachi Jones and Max Murray. Five other options were declined as New York began its offseason roster review. 

Contract options exercised and declined

Decision Players

Options exercised: Nico Cavallo, Malachi Jones, Max Murray

Options declined: Kam Acito, Arnau Farnós, Cooper Flax, Mitja Ilenič, Kevin Pierre

The announcement also lists Matt Miazga among the players whose contracts expire at the end of 2026. Thiago Martins and Keaton Parks were included in that category, with their departures confirmed separately. 

Moralez and Luighi remain unresolved

NYCFC continues to discuss the futures of Maxi Moralez, Mac Learned and Luighi. Moralez and Learned are out of contract, while Luighi’s loan has concluded. The club also has a recall decision to make on Seymour Reid, who is on loan at Sporting Kansas City. 

These categories should not be treated as interchangeable. Continuing discussions do not guarantee a return, while the expiration of an agreement does not establish the terms of any potential replacement deal.

Coaching and recruitment must fit together

The roster announcement establishes a starting point for the offseason rather than a finished squad. NYCFC still needs to connect its personnel decisions with the requirements of its next head coach. That includes identifying the responsibilities available to returning players and the areas where recruitment would offer the greatest improvement.

For supporters, the most important distinction is between completed decisions and open discussions. Several moves are official, but the final shape of the 2027 team remains a work in progress.