Allegations to New York City FC
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Moussa Sylla’s (26) planned move to New York City FC has fallen through. FC Schalke 04 confirmed this on Tuesday morning. The MLS club wanted to renegotiate the already fully negotiated deal for incomprehensible reasons and set disproportionate parameters in the process, the Royal Blues explained.
“We are irritated by the behavior of New York City FC. The contracts were not only negotiated, but had already been signed. In our view, it is incomprehensible to now claim a failed medical check and thereby activate a clause in the contract – because Moussa is healthy and fit to play. We see no reason in the finding to rate the medical check as failed. We will vehemently contradict this representation, also in order to protect Moussa. He can easily continue for another decade “There will be professional footballers on the road,” said sports director Frank Baumann.
Instead of a permanent commitment, New York City FC suddenly asked for a loan with options on Sunday. “This is not acceptable for us,” added Baumann. According to reports, the two clubs had actually agreed on a transfer fee of 7 million euros including bonuses. Schalke announced that it would review the entire process internally and evaluate possible next steps. Without completing Sylla, the Knappen had no opportunity to bring in a new striker before the transfer deadline.
Schalke is convinced: Sylla will score a few more goals for us
The striker himself had already announced on Tuesday night that Sylla’s transfer was likely to fail. “Schalke fans, you are crazy. I’m coming home,” the Malian wrote in English on Instagram, adding a blue and white heart. Sylla is scheduled to return to Schalke training later this week, and the Royal Blues will host Dynamo Dresden on Saturday (1 p.m.). “Moussa is a top striker, I’m convinced he’ll score a few more goals for us in this league,” said Baumann.
At Schalke 04 it was already clear last summer that Sylla could not be retained if there was a good offer. The center forward scored 16 goals last season, but after that the big offers didn’t materialize. This season, efficiency fell slightly with four goals and two assists in 19 appearances, but there was still a chance for the much-needed windfall in the MLS. Sylla still has a contract with the Royal Blues until 2028.
