Yangel Herrera joins New York City FC on loan from Manchester City

New York City FC have confirmed the signing of Manchester City new boy, Yangel Herrera, on loan pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC.

NEWS: #NYCFC sign @YangelHerrera8 on loan from @ManCity v8bAJU0CrI

— New York City FC (@NYCFC) February 14, 2017

Signed by Manchester from Atlético Venezuela for a fee of around £1.7 million before the close of the winter transfer window, Herrera is an unknown to most Manchester City AND NYCFC fans, but comes very highly rated and impressed at the 2017 South American Youth Football Championship.

Earlier, the player himself confirmed he was heading to New York and now it is official.

Herrera told NYCFC.com:

“I’m very happy to take this next step in my career. To have the opportunity to play with such a high caliber of players is very exciting and to join a team that has a good football philosophy is very important to me.

“I’m looking forward to playing under Patrick Vieira as he’s someone who played my position and I know I’ll be able to learn a lot from him. I want to absorb all the good things from Patrick and the other players.”

Patrick Vieira is thrilled to welcome the 19-year-old and gave some insight into his playing style.

“Although Yangel is just starting out on his career, we believe he will make an impact in Major League Soccer once he’s settled into a new country and has adapted to our system of play.

“He’s a tactically intelligent midfielder who is strong in the tackle and reads the game well. Yangel also has good passing range and spatial awareness, which is crucial for a player in his position. I look forward to welcoming him to our squad after the South American Championships where he’s been playing very well for Venezuela.”

Former Manchester City player, now NYCFC sporting director, Claudio Reyna, also commented on the new arrival.

“We’re happy to have Yangel with us for the 2017 MLS season and he will provide strong competition for places in midfield.

“Yangel is recognized as an extremely promising young player in South America and we’re looking forward to seeing him develop during his time with us in New York.

“We feel NYCFC will be a fantastic place for him to play, particularly working with Patrick Vieira who has excellent experience working with young players.”