NEW YORK — New York City FC’s offseason transformation continued Thursday as the club officially announced the departures of longtime midfielder Keaton Parks and captain Thiago Martins, alongside several roster decisions that signal significant changes ahead of the 2027 Major League Soccer season.
The announcements come just days after NYCFC parted ways with head coach Pascal Jansen, marking a dramatic period of transition for an organization preparing for a new chapter, including the upcoming opening of Etihad Park.
For supporters, the departures of Parks and Martins represent more than routine offseason personnel decisions. Both players were integral figures during important periods in club history, providing leadership, experience, and consistency.
Keaton Parks: The End of an Eight-Year Era
Perhaps the most emotionally significant departure is that of Keaton Parks, who leaves NYCFC after eight seasons.
The Texas native made 228 appearances across all competitions, contributing 20 goals and 18 assists. Parks played an important role in the club’s historic 2021 MLS Cup championship and its 2022 Campeones Cup victory.
His accomplishments extend beyond silverware. Parks became just the third NYCFC player to reach 200 appearances across all competitions in 2025 and finishes his tenure ranked second in club history in that category.
Beyond his contributions on the field, Parks was active in community initiatives, including the City in the Community Player Ambassador Program.
In his farewell statement, Parks described New York City as his second home while emphasizing his commitment to putting the team first.
His departure leaves a considerable void in NYCFC’s midfield, particularly regarding experience, physical presence, and familiarity with the club’s identity.
Captain Thiago Martins Also Departs
Defender Thiago Martins will also leave following five seasons with the Boys in Blue.
The Brazilian captain made 174 appearances across all competitions, recording three goals and five assists. He departs seventh on NYCFC’s all-time appearances list.
Martins helped NYCFC capture the 2022 Campeones Cup, earned MLS All-Star recognition in 2024, and was named the club’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2025.
His departure removes another established leader from a defensive unit already facing questions heading into next season.
Sporting Director Todd Dunivant praised Martins for his competitiveness and tenacity, thanking him for his contributions throughout his five-year tenure.
Additional Roster Decisions Signal Further Changes
NYCFC also announced that it exercised contract options for Nico Cavallo, Malachi Jones, and Max Murray.
Meanwhile, the club declined options for Kam Acito, Arnau Farnós, Cooper Flax, Mitja Ilenič, and Kevin Pierre.
Matt Miazga joins Parks and Martins among players whose contracts expire following the 2026 season.
The futures of Maxi Moralez, Mac Learned, and Luighi remain unresolved, with the club confirming that discussions are continuing. Seymour Reid’s loan situation at Sporting Kansas City also remains subject to a recall decision.
The uncertainty surrounding Moralez is particularly noteworthy given his longstanding importance to NYCFC’s attacking identity.
A New Direction Ahead of Etihad Park
With 27 players currently listed under contract for 2027, NYCFC retains an established foundation that includes Matt Freese, James Sands, Hannes Wolf, Alonso Martínez, and several younger contributors.
However, replacing the experience and leadership of Parks and Martins will require more than simply filling two roster positions.
The club must also identify its next head coach, establish a clear tactical direction, and determine how its remaining veterans fit into the future.
For Dunivant and the NYCFC front office, these decisions arrive at a pivotal moment.
Following a disappointing 2026 campaign that ended without a playoff appearance, the organization faces considerable pressure to restore competitiveness.
With a new stadium on the horizon and several recognizable faces departing, NYCFC appears to be entering one of its most consequential rebuilding periods in recent memory.
The question now is whether these changes represent the beginning of a successful new era or the start of a longer rebuilding process for the Boys in Blue.
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