Moussa Sylla’s Move to NYCFC Falls Through, Returns to Schalke

According to reports from The Athletic, Mali international forward Moussa Sylla will not be joining New York City FC, as a proposed move to Major League Soccer fell apart at the last minute. The 26-year-old will instead return to Schalke, a development that has frustrated the leaders of the 2. Bundesliga.

Schalke’s sporting director, Frank Baumann, publicly criticized NYCFC, emphasizing that all agreements had been finalized prior to the deal’s collapse. Baumann stated that contracts were negotiated and signed before the MLS club retracted the agreement, citing a failed medical examination—an assertion that Schalke firmly disputes.

“We are irritated by the behavior of New York City FC,” Baumann remarked in a statement. “From our perspective, there is no justification for declaring the medical failed. Moussa is healthy, fit, and capable of playing at the highest level for many more years. We will strongly contest this characterization to protect the player.”

Baumann further disclosed that the situation shifted unexpectedly late in the process, transitioning from a permanent transfer to a proposed loan with options—an outcome Schalke found unacceptable. NYCFC has chosen not to comment on the matter, according to The Athletic.

With Sylla’s transfer now off the table, NYCFC is redirecting its focus towards exploring alternative options as they seek to fill their center forward position. Sylla had been anticipated to occupy one of the club’s Designated Player slots.

On the pitch, Sylla has demonstrated notable performance in Germany this season, contributing four goals and two assists in 17 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga. He is coming off a career-best season in which he netted 16 goals.