New York, January 15, 2024: New York City FC has announced the acquisition of midfielder Andrés Perea from the Philadelphia Union, marking a significant move in the Eastern Conference. The transfer, confirmed on Monday, involves NYCFC sending Philadelphia $650,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) over the next two seasons, with an additional $150,000 in conditional-based GAM.
Perea, who previously spent the second half of the 2023 season on loan with NYCFC, had struggled to find his footing at Philadelphia after being traded from Orlando City SC. The Colombian-born U.S. international, who has one cap to his name, brings a record of 5 goals and 3 assists in 92 career matches (43 starts) since joining the league in 2020.
NYCFC’s Sporting Director, David Lee, expressed delight in making Perea’s position permanent, highlighting his impressive on-pitch performances and quick assimilation into the team both on and off the pitch. Lee also noted Perea’s compatibility with NYCFC’s style of play and his familiarity with the team’s players and staff, which should ease his transition this year.
Perea’s arrival bolsters NYCFC’s midfield options, joining the likes of James Sands, Keaton Parks, and Santiago Rodríguez. Meanwhile, the Union continues to rely on José Martínez and Jesús Bueno as their deep-lying midfielders.
Philadelphia Union’s Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner, thanked Perea for his contributions and acknowledged that the move to NYCFC was the best for his continued development and to maintain his meaningful role in the team.
This acquisition is particularly strategic for NYCFC, who missed the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs last year, finishing 11th in the East. The team is set to begin their new season on February 24th against Charlotte FC, hoping that Perea’s inclusion will provide the necessary boost to improve their standing in the upcoming MLS season.
