Alfredo Morales brings more than 200 games of experience from the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga to NYCFC. (Photo courtesy of NYCFC)

New York City FC Wednesday announced that it acquired midfielder Alfredo Morales from German side Fortuna Dusseldorf on a contract through the 2023 season with an option for 2024.

Morales arrived in New York last week and began individual training at the club’s training ground, Etihad City Football Academy New York, Saturday. Upon completion of a mandatory quarantine in line with MLS protocols, Morales is expected to be available for the club’s last preseason friendly against Hartford Athletic April 10.

“I’m really grateful to be here and it’s a big step for me as a player,” Morales said in a statement. “It was always my dream to come to MLS as an American, to live here, and do what I love. NYCFC is a great club. You have everything you need as a player to develop and improve. I’m really excited to get out on the pitch, to work hard and win games. I hope I can see a lot of the fans in the future at the stadium.”

The 30-year-old Morales began his career with hometown club Hertha Berlin and graduated from its youth academy. He also spent time with FC Ingolstadt 04 and most recently Fortuna Dusseldorf in the German first and second divisions.

Morales played more than 100 matches the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga with the three clubs and helped Hertha win promotion in 2011 and 2013 while also pushing Ingolstadt to the Bundesliga in 2015. He scored 12 goals and added 16 assists from his midfield position throughout his time in Germany.
“He brings a different dynamic to our midfield and has a style of play that will complement the players we already have. He’s very technical and can fill multiple roles across the midfield while bringing a ball-winning, aggressive mentality.
“Alfredo is an experienced player that has played at the highest level, both domestically and internationally. He’s an excellent professional with a strong character and will add to the leadership in our locker room,” NYCFC sporting director David Lee said.

Although born in Berlin, Morales represents the United States on the international level and has earned 16 caps with the U.S. men’s national team. He played in both of the U.S.’ last competitive matches in November 2019 during Concacaf Nations League victories over Canada and Cuba.

“It’s exciting to welcome in a player of Alfredo’s quality to NYCFC and he’s great addition to our midfield,” NYCFC head coach Ronny Deila said. “He’s played over 200 professional games in Germany and shown his quality at a top level. Alfredo will bring a tremendous, hard-working attitude into our squad and is fighter and competitor that will help us improve from day one.”

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.