NYCFC's Santiago Rodríguez should aim for Europe | OneFootball

Santiago Rodríguez has been a vital player for New York City FC since he first joined on loan in 2021. The midfielder can play on the wings or as an attacking midfielder, often taking over the number-ten role when Maxi Moralez is not playing or unavailable.

Then, fans were extremely pleased when he permanently moved to NYCFC in 2023. He had a chance to become a star, and Rodríguez was a bright light during that year of disappointment. Arguably, the player was a major part of why the Pigeons were better in 2024. It was thought he could do well, and thankfully, he did.

The past four years have been great. If Rodríguez continues to get better each year and shine for NYCFC, then it is possible he could be on the move in the next year or two. But there is only one place the Uruguayan should go, and that is Europe.

Santiago Rodríguez should only leave NYCFC for Europe

Now, there is a reason to bring this up before the 2025 season. Rumors have begun to swirl about Rodríguez. Some teams have him in their sights, and apparently, one has made NYCFC an offer.

Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas from Brazil supposedly put in an offer for the Designated Player. However, it is reported that the side will not proceed to chase after the 25-year-old since the asking price is too high.

Of course, that is one report, and things could change. Still, Rodríguez should not accept an offer from teams in South America. Instead, he should aim to go overseas. It is unknown whether he could play in one of the top leagues, but he could try. At the same time, he is talented enough to play in some of the other leagues that would possibly be a step up from Major League Soccer. The Belgian Pro League and the Eredivisie in the Netherlands are two examples.

Plus, many players dream of going to Europe. The draw of European competitions and playing abroad on another continent has always swayed players across the Americas. As such, if a European club was interested in Rodríguez, then the NYCFC player would probably be willing to make the jump.

In addition, without the restrictions of MLS, he could probably make more money in Europe. At the same time, clubs can hopefully put in an offer that would be acceptable to NYCFC. They would not let one of their stars leave without proper compensation.

Yes, Brazil's Série A is a top league and might be a step up from MLS. But if Rodríguez wants to go to Europe, then it would not make sense to head back to South America.

Therefore, the midfielder should work as hard as possible to better his craft this season. If he does well enough, then Europe could be in his future. It would be great for him to spend most of his career with the Pigeons, but MLS is still a selling league. Players should not be deterred from going to Europe.

Rodríguez should aim to go overseas, and could even try a loan deal similar to what James Sands did originally with Rangers F.C. and now FC St. Pauli. The NYCFC player has options, and it would not be shocking for him to end up in Europe in the next year or two.