TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
New York City FC continues to bolster their roster with young, experienced internationals ahead of the 2018 MLS season, signing Ghanaian midfielder Ebenezer Ofori from VfB Stuttgart, the club announced Wednesday.
The 22-year-old, who has eight international appearances after making his debut with the Black Stars in February, 2017, has signed on for a one-year loan with a club option to buy at the end of the 2018 season.
“I’m feeling good and happy because I’ve been looking forward to start this new chapter with a big club like NYCFC,” Ofori said in a statement. “For me, I just want to be part of a successful team this year, to be happy and to play in and win as many games as I can with my new team.”
After beginning his career with New Edubiase United after coming up through the Ghanaian club’s youth ranks, Ofori moved to AIK in Sweden, where he made his debut against Manchester United in a friendly in 2013
He scored four goals in 81 appearances before Ofori went to VfB Stuttgart, where he helped the club gain promotion to the German Bundesliga after winning the 2. Bundesliga title.
“I’m really excited to bring in Ebenezer - he’s a young player who is looking to improve, he is really dynamic and can cover ground. He’s really aggressive, but he’s good with the ball, too. I’m really pleased that we managed to bring him to the football club,” Vieira said. “He’s a competitor, he’s a guy who likes to win, he’s a strong character. He’s coming to this club to compete with the midfielders we have and, like I always say, that will bring the best out of all of the players we have at this football club.”
Ofori joins a young and dynamic midfield that includes internationals Yangel Herrera from Venezuela (20 years old), Alex Ring from Finland (26) and Jesus Medina (20) from Paraguay. He is the eighth new player brought in by NYCFC this offseason.
“Ebenezer plays as a holding midfielder that can help dictate the tempo of the game with his quality passing ability,” NYCFC sporting director Claudio Reyna said. “He has good technique combined with a very good game understanding that will provide another element to the team.
“We are very happy to add him to our strong midfield unit and looking forward to seeing him grow as a player at NYCFC."
MLS Fantasy Impact: You can add Ofori ($6.0) to your team on Wednesday. Start playing!
