Tayvon Gray joins the summer of extensions with his new contract with NYCFC
New York City FC has been very busy this summer with new signings, but also contract extensions. From the original Homegrown player, James Sands, to former draft pick Kevin O'Toole, the club has extended five players this summer. And the fifth was just announced on Wednesday.
This time, another Homegrown player, Tayvon Gray, has extended his contract with NYCFC. Per the club, the new deal keeps the right-back in the Big Apple through the 2028-2029 season, with an option for the 2029-2030 season. Once again, the Bronx side is showing those in the academy that it is possible to make it to the first team and be successful.
Gray's extension is the right call for NYCFC
Now, while Gray has had some issues this season, there is no question that he is a solid right-back. There is a reason he often starts, and his defensive work is usually good. Fans might question this based on some of his recent performances, including against the New England Revolution last weekend that saw him substituted out in the first half. However, looking at his past years with NYCFC as a whole shows why he deserved this new deal.
Sporting Director Todd Dunivant highlighted this in his statement about Gray's extension with the Boys in Blue. "We’re delighted to have Tayvon continue with New York City FC,” he said to newyorkcityfc.com. “Tayvon has established himself as an important member of our Club and as a top right-back in the League. His lockdown defensive mentality is what sets him apart, and we look forward to having Tayvon continue to play a key role with the Club moving forward.”
In some way, one can only wonder whether NYCFC wanted to secure Gray now, before the end of the season, due to what happened with Justin Haak in the last offseason. But in the end, the midfielder/defender chose to go elsewhere despite the club's efforts and having made the highest offer.
Still, the club realized they should have put in an effort to try to sign their former player earlier, and probably made sure to do it right with Gray. Of course, based on last season, Haak was a higher commodity than Gray this year.
But the right-back absolutely deserves to stay with NYCFC. Hopefully, Mitja Ilenič will create the competition that they had at one point, and both players shined on the pitch. But if the Slovenian still desires to eventually leave permanently, then the club will definitely need someone to compete with Gray. After all, he does better when he has that competition.
After 175 appearances, it is safe to say that Gray's initial signing in 2019 has worked out. Hopefully, the defender will continue to grow and has not seen his best days yet with NYCFC.
