🚨 Botafogo complete deal for NYCFC star Santiago Rodríguez

NYCFC has lost one of its brightest talents as star midfielder Santiago Rodríguez officially completed his move to Brazilian outfit Botafogo.

Per an earlier announcement from league insider Tom Bogert citing Vázquez, the 25-year-old talismanic figure will head to the 2024 Brasileiro champions in a deal that will net the club a whopping $17m, one of the highest outbound transfers in MLS history.

Rodríguez has been ever-present for NYCFC since arriving from Uruguayan giants Nacional in 2021, starring from the club across four seasons that saw him register 24 goals and 32 assists in 116 appearances while helping the club to an MLS Cup win in his debut season as well as a Campeones Cup triumph in 2022.

“Santi has established himself as one of the best attacking midfielders in MLS. His development across the last four years with the club and his recent performances resulted in interest from teams around the world,” said New York City FC Sporting Director David Lee.

“We have a proud track record of supporting our players’ journeys to help them maximize their career ambitions. While we will miss Santi’s infectious personality in the locker room and his impact on the field, we wanted to support Santi’s wishes while also making sure the club received appropriate compensation for a player of his caliber.”

NYCFC kick off their MLS campaign this evening against Inter Miami.