TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Reports
Reports have emerged from a couple Uruguayan journalists that City Football Group have signed Uruguay youth international midfielder Santiago Rodriguez for a $5 million fee, and the Nacional youngster could be potentially on his way to New York City FC.
According to reporter Rafael Castillo, Rodriguez could join fellow CFG club Girona or stay with Nacional on a short-term basis before coming to MLS in 2021.
As for Leandro Hernandez, he’s reporting that it’ll be decided in January whether the 20-year-old heads to NYCFC or the Spanish second-division club.
The broader CFG network creates a vast player pool, with a scouting network that traverses the globe. Should Rodrirguez indeed come to NYCFC, he’d be their second talent from Uruguay after landing central midfielder Nicolas Acevedo this past March. Argentinian forward Valentin Castellanos also came to New York after spending time in Uruguay with CFG's club there, now know as Montevideo City Torque.
In 47 games for Nacional in Uruguay’s top flight, Rodriguez has 10 goals and 15 assists. He’s also featured in 10 Copa Libertadores games over the last two seasons.
On the international scene, Rodriguez featured at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He’s featured as high as the U-23s, playing a key role in the Conmebol Pre-Olympic Tournament.
