NYCFC's Pursuit of Moussa Sylla Ends in Controversy as Schalke Deal Collapses
New York City FC’s hopes of signing Mali international Moussa Sylla have been dashed as a disputed medical exam leads to the collapse of the proposed move, sending the striker back to Schalke in a surprising turn of events.
New York City FC’s proposed move for Mali international Moussa Sylla collapsed late, sending the 26-year-old back to Schalke. The German club blasted NYCFC over a disputed medical, insisting contracts were signed, and insisting the striker is fit. With the deal off, NYCFC will pivot as Schalke keep a key scorer. The striker was set to be a Designated Player before talks unraveled abruptly, publicly.According to The Athletic, Mali international forward Moussa Sylla will not be joining New York City FC, after a proposed move to MLS collapsed at a late stage. The 26-year-old will instead return to Schalke, a development that has left the 2. Bundesliga leaders are openly frustrated with how the situation unfolded.Schalke sporting director Frank Baumann publicly criticized NYCFC, stating that all agreements had already been finalized. According to Baumann, contracts were negotiated and signed before the deal unraveled over what the MLS club deemed a failed medical examination - a claim Schalke strongly disputes.“We are irritated by the behavior of New York City FC,” Baumann said in a statement. “From our perspective, there is no justification for declaring the medical failed. Moussa is healthy, fit, and capable of playing at the highest level for many more years. We will strongly contest this characterization to protect the player.”Baumann also revealed that the situation shifted unexpectedly late in the process, with discussions moving from a permanent transfer to a proposed loan with options - a scenario Schalke deemed unacceptable. NYCFC declined to comment on the matter, according to The Athletic.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingWith the move now off, NYCFC are turning their attention to alternative options as they continue their search for a center forward. Sylla had been expected to occupy one of the club’s Designated Player slots.On the field, Sylla has been productive in Germany this season, recording four goals and two assists in 17 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga. He is coming off a career-best campaign in which he scored 16 goals last season.
The Unraveling of the Deal
The highly anticipated transfer of Moussa Sylla from Schalke 04 to New York City FC has experienced a sudden and unexpected halt. Despite all agreements reportedly being finalized, the deal fell through due to a disagreement over Sylla's medical examination results. Schalke vehemently disputes the claim that the striker is not fit, highlighting their frustration with the situation.
Schalke's Response
Schalke's sporting director, Frank Baumann, has publicly criticized NYCFC for their handling of the situation. He asserted that the player is in good health and ready to perform at the highest level, emphasizing that Schalke will contest the characterization of Sylla's fitness to protect the player's reputation.
NYCFC's Next Steps
With the deal now off the table, New York City FC is forced to shift their focus to alternative options for bolstering their attacking lineup. After Sylla was earmarked for a Designated Player role, the club must swiftly adapt their transfer strategy to secure a suitable replacement for their forward line.
Sylla's Performance and Future
Despite the disappointment of the failed transfer, Moussa Sylla has been enjoying a productive season in the 2. Bundesliga, showcasing his scoring prowess with four goals and two assists in 17 appearances. Following his career-best campaign last season, Sylla remains a sought-after talent in the European market.
