Among the big-name signings of Frank Lampard, David Villa and Andrea Pirlo, New York City FC owners, the Abu Dhabi United subsidiary City Football Group, were also keen to add one of America’s own. They got that in the form of USMNT midfielder Mix Diskerud, but he didn't come cheaply.
A member of the 2014 World Cup squad and winner of the 2013 Gold Cup with the USA, Mix had also played extensively in Norway, the country of his birth. However, after earning $750,000 in 2015 and registering only three goals and one assist in NYCFC’s turbulent debut season, he was voted the most overrated player in MLS according to an anonymous player poll conducted by ESPN FC.
In 2016 Mix made $761,250 but fell out of favor with new manager Patrick Vieira. NYCFC were much improved, making the conference semifinals, but Mix appeared in only 12 matches.
Now, the 26-year-old has been left off NYCFC’s initial preseason roster. With his high salary and reported unwillingness to move elsewhere in the league, the club have been unable to trade Mix with other clubs unwilling to take on his salary.
According to MLS’s Sam Stejskal he’ll likely either be sold or loaned outside of MLS, perhaps back to Norway. It’s either that or NYCFC simply buyout his contract to alleviate their salary cap hit.
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