Sports

Spain star David Villa agrees to join NYCFC in 2015: report

New York City FC has vowed to use its three Designated Player slots and bring star talent to the city, and they reportedly have made a splash with their first big acquisition. Forward David Villa – preparing to help Spain defend its World Cup title next month – has reached agreement to play for the MLS expansion club in 2015, according to multiple reports from Spain.

Villa’s contract with Atletico Madrid runs out on June 30, and Spanish radio station Cadena COPE’s “El Partido de las 12” was the first to report late Wednesday night the striker will eschew his option to renew for another season and instead come to MLS on a three-year contract.

The 32-year-old Villa arrived at Atletico Madrid from Barcelona last summer. Atletico won la Liga and reached the Champions League final against rival Real Madrid in his first campaign.

Villa was brought to Barcelona from Valencia for 39.6 million pounds by Txiki Bergeristain and Fernan Soriano. That duo now works for Manchester City, which co-owns New York City FC with the Yankees. Now they’ve reportedly convinced Spain’s all-time leading scorer to come to New York.

Villa earned 5 million euros at Atletico, but according to the Spanish daily Marca, New York City FC made Villa an offer so high he “rejected the opportunity to continue playing in Europe.”

New York City FC had no comment, but – backed by free spenders in Manchester City and the Yankees – they clearly will be looking for top drawing cards to fill Yankee Stadium when they join MLS and their future, permanent home. The club repeatedly has been connected with Spain midfielder Xavi.