PURCHASE, N.Y. – The transfer of Kwadwo Poku from New York City FC to Miami FC in the North American Soccer League isn’t a done deal yet.
But all signs point to that happening very soon.
The Ghanaian midfielder was not at NYCFC training on Tuesday morning, with coach Patrick Vieira citing the likely move as the reason.
“There are discussions between the two clubs and there’s interest from the player to go there as well,” Vieira said. “We just need to wait 24 hours to see what’s going to happen.”
NYCFC will reportedly get a hefty transfer fee for the 24-year-old Poku, who had five goals and seven assists in 34 appearances for the club. Poku has struggled to find the field under Vieira, making just three starts in seven appearances in 17 games.
Vieira said it was premature to discuss why it didn’t work out with Poku.
“I think it’s a bit too early to talk about him,” Vieira said. “If the deal happens and he’s going to Miami, then yes, we can elaborate a little bit more, go more into details. But until then I think it would be a little bit too early to talk about Poku.”
Mix Diskerud has also struggled to find a regular place in Vieira’s midfield, making nine starts in 12 appearances but failing to step on the field in the last two wins. The 25-year-old Diskerud, who was also left off Jürgen Klinsmann’s roster for the Copa America Centenario, is also rumored to be on his way out.
“Mix is still part of the roster, still part of the team, still part of the squad,” Vieira said. “Until further notice, he will be here, he will be training and it will depend on how well he does to be part of this team. I think players' performance will dictate where you will be.”
Vieira also doesn’t believe NYCFC will be very active in the upcoming transfer widow.
“I don’t think we’re going to make a lot of movement,” Vieira said. “Of course, we’re going to try to improve the team, but I’m quite really happy with the roster I have.”
