New York City FC Sporting Director Todd Dunivant believes the club is entering one of the most important stretches of the 2026 Major League Soccer season in a stronger position than it was just a few months ago.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Leagues Cup play, Dunivant reflected on his first several months in the role while outlining a vision centered on roster depth, smart recruitment and sustained long-term growth.
Despite acknowledging the tightly packed Eastern Conference standings, Dunivant expressed confidence that NYCFC has improved significantly during the summer transfer window.
“We feel like we’ve made the team better,” Dunivant said while pointing to recent acquisitions and the emergence of younger contributors throughout the roster.
With the club collecting seven of its last nine available league points before entering Leagues Cup competition, Dunivant believes momentum is building at the right time.
Depth Becoming a Strength
One of Dunivant’s biggest takeaways has been the willingness of players throughout the squad to seize opportunities when injuries and schedule congestion created openings.
He specifically praised the recent performances of Malachi Jones, Tayvon Gray, Johnny Shore and other squad players who have helped stabilize the club during difficult stretches. The partnership between Shore and Pepê in midfield also received high praise after several impressive performances following the international break.
Dunivant emphasized that with multiple competitions and several weeks containing multiple matches, roster depth will determine whether NYCFC can remain in playoff position.
Transfer Window Focused on Flexibility
Rather than pursuing a traditional striker following Alonso Martínez’s injury, NYCFC prioritized versatile attacking players capable of filling multiple roles.
Dunivant highlighted the acquisitions of Benie Traore and Brazilian forward Luighi, explaining that both provide flexibility while allowing the club to remain prepared for Martínez’s eventual return.
He described Luighi as a player NYCFC did not initially expect to be available but one whose quality made the opportunity impossible to ignore.
The Sporting Director also explained why loan agreements with purchase options have become attractive tools for the club, allowing NYCFC to evaluate young talent before making permanent investments.
Balancing Present Success With Future Growth
Throughout the press conference, Dunivant repeatedly stressed that NYCFC’s objective is not simply developing players for future transfers.
Instead, the organization wants players who can contribute immediately while still possessing long-term upside.
Using Nico Fernández Mercau as an example, Dunivant praised the Argentine’s impact since arriving in New York while acknowledging that strong performances naturally attract international transfer interest.
Rather than viewing outside interest negatively, he described it as evidence that NYCFC’s recruitment strategy is succeeding.
Eyes Already on Etihad Park
Looking beyond the current campaign, Dunivant also discussed the significance of the club’s future home at Etihad Park.
He confirmed NYCFC remains open to signing a marquee Designated Player before the stadium opens but stressed that any high-profile addition must improve the team first and foremost.
For Dunivant, the ideal signing is one capable of winning matches while simultaneously becoming a recognizable face of the organization both locally and internationally.
As the club prepares for one of the busiest portions of its schedule, Dunivant believes NYCFC is positioned to continue growing—not only in the standings but as an organization entering what he described as a transformative era.
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