Source: Justin Haak, NYCFC talks break down amid teeming free-agent market

Talks between NYCFC and burgeoning American Justin Haak have broken down, and it is unlikely that he will return to his long-time club, a source with knowledge of the situation told amNewYork on Monday.

Coming off a career year in which he asserted himself as one of Major League Soccer’s top central defenders, the Brooklyn native is a free agent and is receiving significant interest from a multitude of teams. That includes at least 16 teams from MLS, six from England’s second division — including Coventry City and Middlesbrough — and two German Bundesliga squads, as NewYork learned last month.

Amidst that teeming market, NYCFC is undervaluing Haak compared to other interested parties, a source added, which has all but eliminated any hope of the Brooklyn native getting more time in the Big Apple.

Signing with the organization’s academy in 2015, Haak broke into the senior team in 2019 and methodically rose through the ranks toward being one of their most valuable players. He appeared in 35 matches this season, recording one goal. As one of just 10 players in MLS this season to record over 3,000 minutes, he ranked 16th with 1,747 passes completed, and even garnered votes to be included in the 2025 MLS Best XI.

Along with his production and resolute presence in NYCFC’s back line, Haak’s value has further increased due to his versatility as a reliable holding midfielder.

A move abroad could do wonders for Haak, who in reality should receive consideration for a call-up to the United States national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he has yet to be chosen by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, partly because of the depth at the position currently playing in larger leagues around the world. Chris Richards is starring for Crystal Palace in the Premier League, Mark McKenzie is in France’s Ligue 1 with Toulouse, and Cameron Carter-Vickers is a mainstay with Scottish powerhouses Celtic.

Making the jump to England to a team like Coventry — managed by NYCFC alumnus and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard — or Middlesbrough, both of whom own the two automatic promotion spots in the EFL Championship to gain access to the Premier League next season, would amplify Haak’s reach and perhaps further pique Pochettino’s interest.

For more on Justin Haak and NYCFC, visit AMNY.com