Benie Traore's 25 Goals Are Coming to NYCFC and Nobody in MLS Is Ready For It

Hold up, MLS fans! You seeing this? New York City FC just pulled off a HUGE move on Monday, snagging forward Benie Traore from Switzerland's FC Basel 1893, and let me tell you, this ain't no small fish. This 23-year-old Ivory Coast international isn't just filling a designated player spot, he's coming in hot with a contract that locks him down through 2029-30, with an option for 2030-31. That's some serious commitment, folks, and it signals NYCFC means business for the foreseeable future.

The Goal Machine is Here

Twenty-five goals. Let me repeat that, twenty-five goals! Plus another fifteen assists in just 80 appearances across all competitions for FC Basel between 2024 and 2026. That's not just "getting on the score sheet," as NYCFC sporting director Todd Dunivant put it, that's practically rewriting the whole darn thing! Dunivant wasn't shy about hyping up his new acquisition, saying Traore brings "pace, versatility, and a proven track record." You gotta love that kind of production, right? It's exactly the kind of firepower that can shift the momentum of a season.

More Than Just Goals

But it's not just about the numbers with Traore, apparently. Dunivant also emphasized the human element, pointing out that Benie will "add to our locker room and team culture through his infectious per

Trade on Every Game with Kalshi

Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.

sonality and team-first mentality." That's clutch, especially when you're integrating a new star midway through the year. This guy's been around, too, having stints with Swedish side Hacken, England's Sheffield United, and France's Nantes before landing in Switzerland. He knows what it's like to move around, to adapt. And what does Traore himself say? He's "excited to join New York City FC" and looking forward to "this next chapter." Classic, right? But he got specific, highlighting the "style of play, the ambition of the club, and the belief shown in me" as reasons why this was the right opportunity. He's talking about "competing for trophies," folks. That's the kind of talk we love to hear from a designated player. No holding back, just straight-up ambition. So, what does this mean for NYCFC moving forward in the season? They just injected a massive dose of youth, talent, and goal-scoring ambition into their squad. A move like this, in late June, shows serious intent. It's not just about today's game, it's about making a statement for the entire back half of the schedule. Keep your eyes peeled on NYCFC's upcoming matchups, because if Traore lives up to even half this hype, they're going to be a force to reckon with. It's going to be wild to see how he integrates and what kind of magic he can create on the pitch. Get ready, MLS, things just got a whole lot more interesting in the Big Apple!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.