This is true. But I'm concerned they have gone away from the fundamentals of building successfully at this level (or any level) in favor of prioritizing the development and sale of young talent. What was once a ridiculous farm team accusation is now arguably true.
Assuming Chanot is leaving, here is the age breakdown of the NYCFC roster.
36 and older | 1 |
27-35 | 2 |
24-26 | 8 |
23 and younger | 14 |
27-35 is the sweet spot for player prime and veteran savvy and NYCFC has two: Alfredo Morales and Thiago Martins. There are a few solid starters in the 24-26 group: Barraza, Parks, Cufre, Risa but also Freese, Turnbull, O'Toole so there's a limited set of near prime players about to hit. Meanwhile, all, I mean all, of the players expected to generate goals are 35+ or 23-, including Maxi, Santi, Ledezma, Bakrar, Fernandez, Segal and Talles.
Also,
gbservis convinced me with his tinfoil hat
Thiago Martins DP CFG transfer fee theory. We have no real evidence it is true, but it makes an inexplicable dumb decision at least explicable.