LAUDERHILL, FLA.
Mix Diskerud has flirted with MLS in the past. He nearly landed in Portland. He nearly signed with Columbus during the summer transfer window. It turns out it took a chance to play in New York to finally tempt him to make the move Stateside.
Diskerud signed with NYCFC on a free transfer on Tuesday morning. NYCFC exercised its perch atop the allocation rankings to acquire his MLS rights, according to a club release.
The U.S. midfielder left Norwegian side Rosenborg at the end of last year and weighed his options carefully. In the end, the 24-year-old schemer opted to join the increasingly large contingent of players prepared to swap a place in Europe for a major role with an American club.
“New York City FC have made my wish as an American a reality by giving me the opportunity to play and live in the US,” Diskerud said in a statement. “Everybody I have spoken to on the men’s national team about Jason Kreis has spoken highly of him to me. I felt exactly the same way after meeting him. I’m sure he will help me to develop my game, to succeed with our team here in New York and to stay involved with the national team. Coming to play for New York City FC was an easy decision for me.”
"I really just couldn't be happier," Kreis said during the final day of the MLS Player Combine. "I think he's such an exciting and dynamic player. He's the type of player that -- myself, as a coach, and I think our club in the direction we're going in -- fits exactly with what we're trying to do."
Diskerud is expected to link up with his new teammates after concluding his duties with the U.S. national team over the next few weeks.
Welcome to The Club, @MixDiskerud. #NYCFC pic.twitter.com/olYhloO4mw
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) January 13, 2015
