

Posted by

Stuart Mactaggart ,

January 23, 2015 Email

Stuart Mactaggart

On Twitter:

@FuryFanatic_Mac

Canadian defender Nana Attakora is close to signing with the New York Cosmos of the NASL, with the American club expected to announce the deal in the coming days. The 25 year old North York, Ontario native has 9 caps with the Canadian Men’s National Team and has spent the majority of his career playing in the MLS.



See also: Straith can address TFC's lack of defensive depth



Attakora featured over 50 times for Toronto FC, spending four years with the Canadian club before moving to San Jose. After two stints with the Earthquakes and a year in Finland, Attakora entered the MLS re-entry draft and was drafted by DC United in 2014. It was a difficult year for the Canadian, as he was unable to break into the first team. However, the move to the NASL will give him the opportunity to play first team football on a regular basis.



The 6 foot 1 defender has featured recently for the Canadian National Team in both friendly matches against Iceland, playing 71 minutes in the 2-1 loss, and a full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw.



There was some criticism as to the number of unattached players named to the recent Canadian roster. However, it seems some those who are unattached are finding clubs in North America, with Attakora moving to the NASL and Adam Straith rumoured to be close to securing a deal in the MLS.



The New York Cosmos have beaten other NASL clubs to the signing of the Canadian defender with their ability to offer a better contract in a league without a salary cap. Attakora will now have the opportunity to play alongside Real Madrid legend Raul, as the New York Cosmos look to build their brand and compete with the multiple New York-based clubs in the MLS. With recent signings, the Cosmos look to be one of the strongest NASL teams on paper heading into the 2015 season.