New York City FC are pleased to announce the acquisition of Keaton Parks on loan from S.L. Benfica for the 2019 season.

The 21-year-old American is a versatile central midfielder who can play at the base of the midfield or in a more advanced role.

Parks said with regards to joining NYCFC:

“It’s the best decision for me right now. It’s first division soccer, it’s good competition, it’s good experience and for me it’s the best opportunity for me right now. I’m excited to be able to live in the biggest city in the world and to play with a very well-known Club, a big Club in front of all of our fans. I’m just excited to get started.”

Originally from Plano, Texas, Parks joined Varzim S.C. in Portugal in 2015 when he turned 18 and then signed for Benfica in 2017.

He has since tallied up seven goals and seven assists in his 40+ appearances for Benfica B in the Portuguese second division—LigaPro

Keaton’s success with the reserves led him to make his senior team debut against Vitória in November 2017 and he would go on to record six appearances across all competitions for the first-team.

Sporting Director Claudio Reyna said: “Keaton is a young and talented player who we are very pleased to add to our squad. He’s spent the past few seasons at Benfica and that experience, as well as being an American, will help him make a smooth transition to life in MLS and in New York. He is only 21 years old and we believe he will have a strong impact in our midfield. Keaton comes to us highly motivated and ready to take the next step in his career with NYCFC and we look forward to having him at the Club and helping us achieve success on the pitch.”

The Texas native returned stateside in May 2018 as he made his U.S. Men’s National Team debut when he came off the bench in the 62nd minute of the 3-0 victory against Bolivia at Philadelphia’s Talen Energy Stadium.

Head Coach Domènec Torrent said: “Keaton is a young American player that can play at a few different spots in the midfield. He can play in the six position, but he can always play further up the field as an eight. Even though he’s a young player, he’s played professionally in Europe and that experience will help him as he joins our squad and competes for minute in our midfield.”

Everybody at the Club would like to welcome Keaton to New York City’s Football Club.

Name: Keaton Parks

Position: Midfielder

Height: 6’3

Weight: 178

Date of Birth: August 6, 1997

Age: 21

Hometown: Frisco, Texas

Citizenship: United States

Last Club: S.L. Benfica

How Acquired: Loan