New York City FC fill out their roster by signing their third designated player, Benie Traore from FC Basel in Switzerland. The 23 year-old from Ivory Coast represents a continuation of the club focusing on younger, more versatile, players to fill out their roster instead of aging superstars that will require coverage from players around them.
“Benie brings pace, versatility, and a proven track record of getting on the scoresheet,” said Sporting Director Todd Dunivant. “Benie will also add to our locker room and team culture through is infectious personality and first-team mentality.”
Traore has been an offense-first winger throughout his career, scoring 22 goals over 66 games with Basel. His career began with Hacken in Sweden where he scored 15 times in 41 appearances before trying his luck in the English game with Sheffield United. Rumors were that he fielded advances from other European teams, making his decision to come to New York City that much more impressive.
Currently the club is in need of an offensive boost. The loss of Alonso Martinez in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs was masked during the early part of the season thanks to the success of Nico Fernandez. However, as the 2026 schedule became congested, the club found scoring difficult. The additional loss of Maxi Moralez during the New York Derby exacerbated the situation, forcing the club’s hand to make a move.
Head coach Pascal Jansen, now in his second season with the club, is starting to push his style of play more and more. Traore’s inclusion will help push that forward as he and Dunivant have now had two transfer windows to make their mark on the roster.
“The style of play, the ambition of the club and the belief shown in me made this the right opportunity,” said Traore. “I’m looking forward to getting to work, helping the team achieve their goals and competing for trophies.”
City are still three weeks away from continuing the MLS season where they hope to flip their run of form before the World Cup break. The team fell to eighth place in the Eastern Conference off the back of a loss and draw at the end of May. The club hopes that rest and new faces will be the catalyst towards a revitalization against the Columbus Crew on July 22nd.
photo from NYCFC