Game 24 is in 8 days. The likelihood of announcing a transfer, then completing physicals, getting a visa, and de minimis training by then is near zero. The window opened 2 days ago and any illusions that management had about the competitive level of the current roster had to have dissipated 2 months ago at least. They could have had something ready. Taty was loaned out 348 days ago. They intentionally decided to play a full 70% of the season like this, and then try to catch up in the final 10 games.
With 12 remaining games the projected playoff line is currently above 44.

Montreal, the team in ninth place both here and on the official points table has 3 more wins than NYCFC with 2 games in hand and just added a young striker already in North America who should be able to play immediately, unless there are Canadian work visa issues. My initial reaction is they overpaid, but they have him, with 14 games to go. RB and Chicago are behind NYC in the official table but both also have 2 games in hand.

There's really just one way to get above 44 points with more than 4 losses.
Three of the next four games are Away to teams who collectively win 78% of their home games: Columbus (8-1-2 at Home), Philadelphia (7-1-2) and Cincinnati (10-0-1).
NYC has 7 home games remaining.
Maybe all of DC, Montreal, Charlotte, RB and Chicago slump. Maybe NYC starts to win, and continues to tie instead of losing.
It would really help not to lose both of the next 2 games before the break, and even 1 win would be huge.