Todd Dunivant’s Vision for NYCFC
Todd Dunivant, the newly appointed sporting director of New York City FC, recently shared his thoughts on the club’s potential to enhance its roster. He emphasizes that while NYCFC has the resources for significant additions, deciding when to act isn’t straightforward.
Major League Soccer (MLS) has welcomed numerous high-profile players recently. For instance, Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023, Son Heung-min’s transfer to LAFC, and Thomas Muller’s arrival in Vancouver last season have all garnered attention. With Dunivant now at the helm, fans are left wondering if NYCFC has plans to make waves in the same way.
“Star players can take many forms. Sometimes they carry big names; at other times, a fortune is spent on young prospects. There are various approaches to consider,” Dunivant mentioned. “Being part of the City Football Group gives us a significant platform. We recognize the resources backing us, but our focus will be on making intelligent investments.”
Dunivant, who took on his role this month, clarified that NYCFC is operating “independently” from City Football Group, the entity that owns both the team and others globally, including Manchester City in the Premier League.
This situation presents a unique challenge for NYCFC. The team surprised many by reaching the Eastern Conference finals last season but now faces hurdles, such as the absence of top scorer Alonso Martinez due to a torn ACL and Justin Haak’s departure through free agency.
“If the right opportunity arises, and if it’s the perfect player, it’s something we must evaluate,” Dunivant stated. “That decision could come in 2027 or even this summer. We need to be open-minded while recognizing our challenges. It’s not just about splurging; timing is crucial, and that’s not our philosophy, I assure you.”
He further explained, “We must justify our choices—from both a football standpoint and a financial one. Both aspects are essential, and we have to balance them.”
In the near future, the club is actively seeking “reinforcements” to address the gaps left by Martinez’s injury. Dunivant highlighted potential from Seymour Reid, who had a standout season with the second team, netting 13 goals in 15 games. However, he acknowledged Reid may need time to adjust.
Stepping into this leadership role after serving as the general manager for Sacramento Republic in the USL Championship, Dunivant understands the lofty expectations that come with it. “New York expects winners,” he remarked. “This expectation is a significant part of New York City’s identity. Our history shows consistent success; we’ve reached the conference finals three times in the last five years and regularly make the playoffs. That’s integral to who we are. In a vibrant market like New York, the attention is immense, but it also presents an opportunity.”
