Parks headed to NYCFC on permanent deal



New York City FC has acquired American midfielder Keaton Parks in a permanent transfer from Benfica, according to multiple league sources with knowledge of the deal.



Parks, 22, spent last season on loan with NYCFC, where he played in 22 games with 14 starts. The U.S. international has signed a long-term contract to return to New York for the Cityzens. The deal will be above the 2019 targeted allocation money threshold.



Parks began his professional career with Varzim in the Portuguese first division in 2015, making 10 appearances with the first team in 2016. Parks signed for Benfica in 2017 and spent most of his time with the second squad, though he made six appearances for the first team in all competitions. Parks joined NYCFC on loan last season and impressed with his performances after earning a starting role in the summer.



Parks will likely plug back into the starting No. 6 role in an NYCFC central midfield...