New York City Football Club (NYCFC) can today announce that defender Klevis Haxhari has signed a contract with MLS NEXT Pro team, NYCFC II. He is the first player to sign a professional contract directly with NYCFC II from the Academy.
After participating in the 2022 preseason with the First Team, the defender made his debut in MLS NEXT Pro and went on to feature in seven matches. The Bronx native, 17, also represented the Albanian U19 National Team during the UEFA U19 Championship qualifiers this past September. Prior to joining the NYCFC Academy, Klevis had impressed while playing with New York Soccer Club during MLS NEXT Pro competition.
Defender Haxhari said: “I am thrilled to have signed my first professional contract and continue my development here at NYCFC. I want to thank everyone at the Club and my teammates for believing in me and helping me get to where I am now. I know the work goes on and appreciate this opportunity to carry on my footballing journey here at NYCFC. I will work hard to develop and improve each day, and I look forward to the start of next season and hope to bring home some silverware alongside my teammates.”
Sporting Director David Lee said: “We are delighted that Klevis has decided to begin his professional career with the Club and sign with NYCFC II. Since joining the Academy, we have seen his rapid development and our focus will be providing him the opportunity both in training and games to continue that trajectory so we can maximize his potential. He has developed both on-and-off the field and we are looking forward to seeing his continued growth.
“This continues to show the importance and value of NYCFC II and MLS NEXT Pro competition which helps provide players opportunity to transition from Academy to Professional Football.”
Everyone at the Club would like to congratulate Klevis and wish him luck as he embarks on the next phase of his career with NYCFC.
Transaction: Defender Klevis Haxhari signs a contract with New York City Football Club II
