This is the 2026 New York City FC Tracker, a post we update often with breaking news, official or rumored, about this year's New York City FC squad and season. We let you know the source and nature of all updates shared and always provide links or screenshots back to original reporting. This post is exclusive to paid subscribers, but the first, most recent update is always available to everyone.
• Strahinja Tanasijević leaves NYCFC
June 10, 2026
Status: Official
There's at least one official change to the New York City FC roster made during this World Cup break as the club just announced the departure of center-back Strahinja Tanasijević.
Tanasijević was on a contract that ran through the end of 2026 and with an option remaining for 2027, and as of the last MLS player salary report, he was pulling in $368,750 in guaranteed compensation this season.
That's a significant salary for a player who made only four appearances and one start for NYCFC so far this season, following a 2025 season in which he was on the field for only 20% of the club's MLS minutes played.
In the announcement formalizing Tanasijević's departure, sporting director Todd Dunivant is quoted as saying, "This move provides an opportunity for Tana to pursue the next step in his career while also giving the club additional roster flexibility."
No word on where Tanasijević signs next, but he's now cleared to move, and NYCFC now has cleared some salary dollars and opened up a spot on its Senior roster, which could pave the way for a new signing. Tanasijević arrived from Spartak Subotica in his native Serbia ahead of the 2024 season and went on to make 43 appearances for NYCFC across all competitions in that time.
Center-back depth isn't overflowing at NYCFC right now, with Thiago Martins, Raul Gustavo, and Kai Trewin the most often-used players in that spot.
NYCFC II did recently acquire young Brazilian defender João Loiola on loan from Fluminense and he's since made four starts for the IIs in MLS Next Pro, so that's one name to add to the depth options while Tanasijević leaves the roster, and while another rostered center-back, former MLS SuperDraft pick Max Murray, is out injured.
• NK Celje wants to sign Mitja Ilenič: Report
June 1, 2026
Status: Rumor
A report indicates that the current champions of Slovenia's PrvaLiga, NK Celje, are interested in signing loaned-out New York City FC defender Mitja Ilenič.
